Fear and forest fires.

As we came back to the Arctic Sunrise today we saw a huge cloud of smoke, a large forest fire that had burned all night long. Such a disgusting sight to see a few naked trees left and some charred stumps when all around the area there is seemingly dense forest. Devastation and for what end? We see smoke rising from the forest on a daily basis but the smell made me feel sick.

Later this evening we received a call on the VHF radio to say that an empty logging barge was on its way to our ship and it had fifteen angry loggers on board. My heart fell in to my shoes. We have had extensive security training on board and I trust all the crew around me to take sensible decisions, yet the not knowing is terrifying. An armed attack against our ship is a distinct possibility. We are highly unpopular and this is not a place where disagreements are solved by a meeting around a table.

We ensured everyone was off the deck, started our engines and weighed anchor within five minutes. Then we waited. The radar displaying ominous signs as this large blob steadily made its way to us. Soon it would be out of the Acarai River and we would know its full intentions. I thought about my family at home, how much I love them. Everyone was wondering what would happen next.

Out of the mouth of the Acarai came two barges, a riverboat and some small boats all tied together and behaving very strangely.

The boats stopped, shone their lights on our ship and we returned with our lights. Was this to size us up for target practice? Time to put on the bullet-proof vests again? It seemed not. Although the boats came directly towards us and they were indeed full of angry people they were more intent on swearing at us than shooting us. How can you tell the difference in the darkness and the distance between a finger and rifle? Perhaps they were escaping from the river. They know we are working there and if you are up to no good then the best thing to do is run and hide. I think it was the darkness that spooked me the most. To see a boat approaching in the daylight seems more reassuring; they can't want to harm you in the brightness but cloaked in smoke and moonlight it feels as if they meant business this time.

Luckily they eventually steered away from us and we can return to our state of readiness again. It is going to be hard to sleep tonight as it is for many community leaders here living in a state of fear. Fear and forest fires. Why?

Emily

Radio Operator