Shell to Sea Press Release - Sun. 31st August 2008

Navy Warship LÉ ORLA must fly the Shell flag

Text of press release issued this afternoon by Shell to Sea regarding the presence of the Irish Naval Service's warship the LÉ ORLA in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, as an auxiliary to the Gardaí and Shell Security. Please read main body text for details.

Shell to Sea Press Release - Sun. 31st August 2008

Navy Warship LÉ ORLA must fly the Shell flag

Late last week the Irish Navy Warship, the LÉ ORLA arrived in Broadhaven Bay to support Gardaí and Shell Security who persist in pushing the Corrib Gas Project on by force.

According to Irish Defence Force and Military information the LÉ ORLA is a high speed vessel, designed to move rapidly about the patrol area and to bring her considerable firepower to bear where necessary.

At approximately 5pm on Saturday 30th August a squadron of Shell to Sea kayaks put to sea in order to deliver a message to the Captain of the LÉ ORLA.

The Shell to Sea ‘Shamrock Squadron’ paddled to within a respectful distance of the warship and the ‘James Connolly’ attempted to establish contact with the navy vessel on channels 14 and 16 of the VHF radio, in order to determine the intentions of the Captain and his crew.

The Captain failed to respond to radio communication and consequently the Shamrock Squadron paddled closer to establish visual and verbal communication – to be seen and heard.

A request to speak to the Captain was denied.

Concerns about the presence of the warship were expressed to the Officers on the deck of the LÉ ORLA and they were asked to declare their intentions. Although the officers listened, they did not respond and would not communicate in any way.

Shamrock Squadron invoked their constitutional rights to act in the defence of the natural resources of the State which have been given to Shell and the Corrib Gas consortium. The Irish navy crew were asked whether they intended to assist in the protection of those natural resources or act in collusion with Shell and participate in the ‘Great Gas Giveaway’.

“Without any clear intention from you we assume that you are acting for Shell”, said one of the Shell to Sea crew. “It’s confusing for us that you are flying the Irish flag from the mast of your ship on behalf of Shell, as we fly the flag on behalf of the Irish people. We maintain the right to fly the flag and we say that you are no longer entitled to fly the Irish flag”.

The navy officers were offered a Shell flag to fly from their mast which they would not accept.

An invitation to the Captain to come to dinner at the Rossport Solidarity Camp was declined.

The Shamrock Squadron thanked the navy crew for their attention and paddled back to shore.

Shell to Sea marine activists are experienced in dealing with the Spanish, German, Dutch, Royal and US Navies. This fresh threat from the Irish Navy, which comes in addition to the overwhelming numbers of Gardaí and Shell security in the area, is totally disproportionate to the legitimate protest which will continue against the Shell Corrib Gas Project in spite of this unprecedented development.

ENDS.

For verification or comment contact Niall Harnett at 086 8444966.