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Police no longer on board ship

Friday 24 February 2012, 6:23PM

By New Zealand Police

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NEW PLYMOUTH

Police are no longer on board the Noble Discoverer, the ship which is currently at the centre of an environmental protest in Port Taranaki.

Following a series of meetings with the owners of the ship and the Port, Police have agreed an approach whereby the protestors will be left in situ at this stage. Police will continue to monitor the situation and will be ready to respond to any development or to the protestors coming down from the drilling tower.

Inspector Blair Telford said: "Although the protestors are breaking the law by being aboard the ship, they are in an isolated location on the ship which allows both the Port and the ship to operate their normal business.

"We have considered various options and we have the skills, capabilities and equipment to deal with all options. However safety remains paramount and we won't needlessly jeopardise the safety of our staff, the crew of the ship or the protestors."

The ship's owners and the Port are providing increased security at the Port.