As we sailed into the bay of Marseille early this morning the wind wasjust perfect to blow our ship into Marseille. A small vessel zoomed by, filled with people. When they got close we could see that everybody onboard was clapping and screaming "Mercie, mercie" (thank you in French) to us. Well, it's a good start for a beautiful morning, but it would not last long.

Only a few minutes later we spotted one of the purse seiners we had expected to meet us in Marseille. Around 24 vessels headed towards us with the aim to block our way. One of the purse seiner crossed no more than ten meters off our bow, blocking our course. In our starboard bow more vessels lined up, all well positioned in front of the port entry. All frenetically closing in.

In a matter of minutes we had very big hi-tech boats zooming with very high speed in front our bow.

Mike - the captain of the Rainbow Warrior - called me to the wheel on the bridge. Seems like it's time for us to start manoeuvring. He gave the commands, while my hands turned sweaty hands on the controls - manoeuvring the ship into position without colliding with the vessels that now have positioned themselves alongside us.

Boy, I tell you, steering the ship in between all those angry fishermen was something unique. Soon after we managed to drop our anchor we are surrounded by all the vessels also at anchor.

How does it end?! Well, we will tell you later when things settle down.