Police warn protesters

Last night Police were called upon to warn two protest yachts due to potential safety concerns with respect to the survey ship operating off the East Cape.

Superintendent Barry Taylor, Police National Manager of Operations, said Police on board the navy ship "Taupo" were aware of the yachts heading towards the oil survey area.

"During the night the captain of the survey ship became concerned the yachts were heading on a collision course with his ship. He had radioed the yachts to warn them and to change course."

"The yachts did not respond to the radio calls so the police launched a RIB and closed in on the yachts and told them they were at risk of endangering the safety of the survey vessel if they continued on their current headings

Superintendent Taylor said at no time was there an immediate risk to safety of all those involved. It was a matter of being forced to take some action to ensure the safety of all parties.

Police will continue to monitor the protest flotilla over the Easter weekend.