The world's beaches are in trouble!
Shipbreaking takes place in poor countries, where once pretty beaches in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Turkey are turned into ship graveyards. However, old ships contain hazardous substances such as asbestos, lead paint and PCBs, which are released into the environment. The Rainbow Warrior is in India to visit the shipbreaking yards. Evedien from the Netherlands is on board....
November 18, 2003
Anchored
We've been here, off the Gujarat coast, for a week now. We anchored, last night, about 12 miles from Bhăvnagar, at the request of the coast guards. The sea is beautiful, clear. There is finally a splash of blue that one expects to see when stationed in an ocean, vibrant. Quaint fishing boats go past us, waving their catch in an attempt to transact some business! As we were waiting for clearance from the customs authorities, the crew decided to practice with the inflatables for the toxic patrols, which they did, quite innovative. Lama, Joe, Samir and Nora enthusiastically climbed ladders propped up against the Warrior, from boats that refused to stay still!
The agent (the second one!), at Bhăvnagar, indicated his unwillingness to act on our behalf. Ramapati, the Indian campaigner, says that the ship breaking industry has a stranglehold on the local economy and we must function independently. The local media continues to vilify Greenpeace. The Ministry of Environment have not yet given a letter (that GP, India has sought) endorsing or authorising our toxic patrolling. The mood amongst us is still upbeat and we seem to have provoked tremendous reaction by just being here....