I am in the action boat. As we fight the swell with biting, salty wind stinging our eyes, I glance around at the other people on my boat; colleagues, friends, people from different countries, different religions and cultures, here united. Despite the cold I feel warm inside.

We arrive at the scene and assess the situation. A French pair of trawlers with their nets in the water. Radio contact achieves nothing, they will not stop. We hear a crackly warning on the radio from the Esperanza that has seen two other French boats heading in our direction fast – to do what? We don't know. The crew scan the distant waves around us to find them. We need to be wary. At that moment, I think 'good, if they’re out here trying to run us down at least they’re not fishing'. Perhaps a strange thought, but on this campaign I have seen more dead dolphins than anyone should see in a whole lifetime.

Our first attempt is to remove one of the big fishing buoys which help keep the net in position. They respond by speeding up considerably, dragging the buoys faster and sinking them. With the speed and two metre swell, the buoys are hitting the surface of the water for a second then plunging down beyond reach.

My crew mate and I take walls of water in the face as we lean over the side - other crew hold our legs to keep us from going over. Tomorrow I will ache, but right now there is no pain, only focus and determination. We need perhaps ten seconds with the buoy to remove it. Again and again we get only two. We pull back and rethink - 'plan B'...

By this time the two other French boats have arrived and are coming in fast and close. We now need to be very careful and be aware of their positions. Plan B involves getting close to the fishing boats - so on go our climber's helmets to protect our heads. A good job too. The next moment I hear the impact of a metal shackle hitting somewhere in the boat. I drop to my knees and do a quick scan - luckily everyone's okay.

The rest of the operation goes smoothly. We have managed to attach a drogue (a large circular cloth like an underwater parachute) which slows them right down. We drop back, observing, hoping it is enough to stop them fishing. They then haul in their nets at speed and the four of them take off.

Penny, Volunteer

Well done to you all, good work never goes unnoticed. These beautiful creatures have been having such a terrible time over the years. Having partook in many actions over the dolphins and whales (demos I.W.C.) I'm absolutely delighted to see/hear the next generation of active Greenpeace supporters continue demanding the end of this unjustified slaughter. Wish I was there with you all. Will be watching your progress with delight. Take care and stay safe.

With my best wishes and thanks

Rita

Keep up the good work, a lot of people value what you are doing and feel comfort that someone is actually doing something.

"The man who moved the mountain, first started by moving small pebbles".

Keep going - it means so much and is so crucial.

Thank you
Jane