Activists arrested after scaling ship as protesters attempt to block world’s largest coal port
Two activists suspended from the side of a ship during a protest at the world largest coal port have been arrested.
Two activists suspended from the side of a coal ship during a protest at the world largest coal port have been arrested after more than seven hours tethered to the vessel.
Three activists scaled the Yangze 16 about 8am on Sunday, halting operations and preventing the ship from arriving into the Port of Newcastle, north of Sydney.
Holding a banner reading “phase out coal and gas”, two of the activists remained bound to the ship until about 3.30pm when they were arrested by police who reached the vessel by helicopter, according to Greenpeace.
No charges have been laid against the pair, the activists group said.
A third protester earlier disembarked the vessel due to changing weather conditions.
The vessel is the second in as many days to be temporarily halted by activists, who said the port will be closed for rest of Sunday.
Thousands of people gathered at Newcastle’s Horseshoe Beach over the weekend, paddling out into the harbour to protest Australia’s coal exports.
Chaos unfolded when an activist on a boat collided with a police jet ski.
Exclusion zones have been put in place, however a boat allegedly breached the direction and failed to stop when directed.
Authorities said the zone was introduced to ensure safety and maintain shipping movements in and out of the busy channel.
Police launched a pursuit on the water before the activist collided with the jet ski.
The boat’s sole occupant was arrested, and no injuries were reported.
It comes as police have charged 32 people with alleged marine-related offences.
Police Ministry Yasmin Catley alleged behaviour on the harbour was “dangerous, reckless and has very real consequences”.
“This group is exhibiting a total disregard for personal safety and human life – both the lives of those protesting and those of our police and harbour workers,” she said.
“The right to protest does not override the right for others to be safe. It does not entitle anyone to put others in direct danger.
“The Maritime Exclusion Zone was established for a reason – to protect lives during shipping movements. Breaching this is a deliberate decision to put your life at risk.”
Man hospitalised
A man has also been hospitalised after he suffered lacerations to his back, arms, legs and head during an assault allegedly involving attendees of the event.
The 46-year-old was taken to hospital in a stable condition, while a 17-year-old boy believed to have intervened in the incident was treated for minor lacerations.
An 18-year-old man was arrested in a campsite area nearby and is assisting police.
Police have slammed alleged “unsafe practices” on the water
“The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly; however, the priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the wider community and there will be zero tolerance for illegal and dangerous behaviour,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.
“We encourage all attendees to follow the directions of police and refrain from engaging in other forms of civil disobedience.”
Activists scale coal ship
Greenpeace Australia Pacific activists earlier scaled a coal ship and secured themselves to the anchor chain on its sides.
A banner demanding a timeline to phase out fossil fuels and stop approving new coal and gas projects was unfurled along the ship on Sunday.
Organisers Rising Tide also claimed to have forced a coal ship to turn around.
It is understood that general cargo movements have now been aborted due to protest disruption in the port as at about 2pm on Sunday.
The protest action, set to continue through Sunday, marks the group’s third blockade of the port.
Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield earlier demanded that no new coal mines be approved by the Prime Minister.
“We congratulate the Prime Minister on his marriage. Now it’s time for him to divorce the Minerals Council and the coal industry and stop approving new coal mines,” Mr Schofield said.
Rallies and concerts were put on in addition to the protest action, with organisers securing Aussie band Lime Cordiale to perform at their Climate Concert on Saturday.
Frontman Oli Leimbach said it’s “time to phase out coal and gas”.
“Rising Tide’s Climate Concert last night was such a beautiful festival; so many passionate people came together in a peaceful way to demand change from the government,” Mr Leimbach said in a statement.
“By taking action today, we added another little exclamation mark on their voices. Stoked to be here with Greenpeace — it’s time to phase out coal and gas.”
A Port of Newcastle spokesperson said “vessel scheduling will continue over the weekend”.
“We are committed to working with NSW Police, Port Authority of NSW, and other port operators to ensure the safe passage and protection of all cargo types,” the spokesperson said.
