My visit with the Estonian police

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26 September 2006

by Ivona onboard the Arctic Sunrise

Greenpeace climber being pulled from the water.
© Greenpeace/Christian Åslund.

I am back on the Arctic Sunrise, after being detained by the Estonian border patrol for nearly 7 hours today. Texas and I were detained, with our inflatable [boat], as we drifted near our ship. We were towed to shore, and greeted by one of the Border Patrol officers.

"Welcome to Estonia", he said. Texas and I looked at each other, and laughed, but not because it was funny, but because it was ironic. We were taken to a car, and did not know what to expect next. As the car started, the tunes of Bob Marley "Don't worry, be happy", filled the tense, quiet atmosphere. This time we really had to laugh.

We were taken to the border patrol office. After about 5.5 hours elapsed, our lawyer arrived. We were asked questions, paperwork was filled out, and we were nearly out the door, when Tannie and Karin walked in with the police, carrying their climbing gear.

While Texas and I were hanging out, in true Estonian style, with the border police, Tannie and Karin climbed the mooring lines connecting the Probo Koala to shore, when they were apprehended. Our brave Tannie got submerged in the cold Baltic water when the Probo Koala crew lowered the line holding her up. Tannie did not give up there. She pulled one of her campaign banners "Toxic trade costs lives" and held it out with perseverance, while water was slipping into her suit.

Karin and Tannie are back now. Texas and I are back with a 6-euro fine. What a day!!!

The border patrol and the police were extremely friendly and professional, although some were confused about our action. Some of the officers were not aware of the toxic ship in their port. Well, now they know.

Currently, there is an increasing pressure from the European community on Estonia to take some measures and detain Probo Koala in Paldiski. We are awaiting news ourselves, but the media coverage so far has been tremendous! We are hoping that the European Commission itself will appeal to Estonia to stop Probo Koala, and make it accountable.

Their toxic trade kills, and we will hold them accountable!

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Comments

This update is back dated. It was written yesterday, but I didn't get it posted until today.

Posted by: Andrew - Greenpeace web editor at September 27, 2006 11:32 AM

http://www.postimees.ee/270906/esileht/siseuudised/220226.php?r

Sorry, only in Estonian it says that officials found toxic waste in the bilge water the ship tried to dump in Estonia and that the Police are preventing the ship from leaving Estonia and the crew is being interrogated.

Posted by: Jaanus at September 27, 2006 2:14 PM

Avast ye land lubbers! The ocean critters need your help!
Take action today!