Rainbow Warrior stopped on her own accord - a black out. “Don’t bother starting the other engine” I informed the Chief engineer. We were in a good position 10 miles off the power station with five radios tuned to differing frequencies - monitoring Chennai and in particular Ennore Port, on the East coast of India. Hans the radio operator intercepted transmission between the bulk carrier Sridevi and the harbour pilot - her cargo operation complete (another 77 000 tonnes of thermal coal on the conveyor to become electricity).
The other Hans, the Chief Engineer, started the engine; I turned the Rainbow Warrior toward the power station - full speed ahead. Crew moved about the deck like disturbed ants. Safety checks: helmets, life-vests, bucket of paint. Sridevi was in for a surprise.
Tugs pulling the Coal ship off her berth. “Now” I nodded to Sarah, “start launching.” A mile off Ennore breakwater Rainbow Warrior lowered four boats to the water - with paint. They set off across the fairway to be on the lee side of the monolithic ship as it came out of port. My heart beating uncomfortably, left arm hanging from shoulder enormously heavy with the weight of stress - /why do I do this?/ /Let go, feel your body, be in the moment. FEAR (False Expectation Appearing Real)./ I’m coaching myself whilst watching the huge ship getting closer, getting bigger and the little boats getting further, smaller. Soon they will meet in a creative non-violent direct action.
Captain Mike
