Trafigura, the mother company of Probo Koala will also be questioned. Trafigura is a 20-billion-dollar-a-year business with its headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland, and charter in the Netherlands. With such a profit and operation around the world, it is imperative they never commit a toxic crime again!

The atmosphere on the ship was rather crazy during this very important visit. There were reporters and television crew everywhere. We were photographed, interviewed, watched, and admired. Some local reporters brought copies of newspapers with them to show us the stories they wrote, and photos they took. There was a really great photo of Karin hanging on one of the moor lines with a banner “Toxic Trade Costs Lives”!

The whole experience was rather surreal. I think it helped us all realize how BIG this case really is. We were very insulated from the media hype and general sentiments of the world, as we do not have access to Internet or television on the ship. The visit of Mr. Dimas, who claimed Greenpeace was helping enforce the European law, made me realize how important and instrumental our work really is.

Unfortunately, the busy schedule of all the officials including Mr. Dimas's, did not afford him the opportunity to wear one of our “Toxic Patrol” vests. Allegedly Mr. Dimas was also looking forward to a ride in our inflatable, and was actually quite disappointed we were moored at dock, but due to further engagements he could not take us up on the offer. Perhaps next time Mr. Dimas!

After all the stress of the last few days, I am finally starting to see the big picture. I am incredibly proud that our actions, patience, flexibility, and perseverance, moved the international community to care about toxics, to care about holding companies like Tranfigura responsible, to care about others dumping our dirt in the backyards of those who need help the most.

From hippy hooligans in the Estonian media, we have become heroes. Also, almost overnight, Estonia has become a very visible member of the European Union, and an instrumental country in bringing justice in the case of Probo Koala.

Despite all the victories of the last few days, we, the Arctic Sunrisers, are still facing some police charges. The crew on-board the Probo Koala has filmed the painting "EU Toxic Crime Scene" on their ship, and provided the tape to the Estonian police. Early in the afternoon the police visited our ship to bring in this news. Three people were questioned, but everything is in the clear now. We are free to go and continue with our Fishing and Marine Reserves work.

In conclusion, I would like to say this. The actions leading to the detainment and current criminal investigation of the ship, and other companies behind the Probo Koala, were unusually and impressively swift. The respective governments of Ivory Coast and Estonia responded to this crisis in record times. There was very little red tape in this process also due to the competence of many dedicated Greenpeace people. I am very proud to be part of this tremendous success, and I am also so very proud of my friends here on board who made this happen.

This may mark the end of our (Arctic Sunrise) involvement, but it is just the beginning for Probo Koala (it is now in detention outside of the Paldiski port somewhere in Estonia as space was needed to for other incoming tankers).

It sounds like tomorrow will be our day to leave, but it is not yet confirmed. Please stay tuned for further news.

Iwona