It’s time for another protest, kayaktavists!
Portland’s getting its chance this weekend to get in on the ShellNO! movement when the Fennica, a 380-foot icebreaker headed here for repairs, arrives and then ships off once again to Alaska to resume its role in the 2015 drilling season.
Shell Oil Co. uses the Fennica for exploration of an oil well about 70 miles off the Alaska coast in the Chuchki Sea.
The “PDX vs Shell! Kayak Flotilla” Facebook event page (view it here) says the group will launch at the Swan Island boat ramp at the end of N. Basin Ave. It’s recommended that protesters bring their own kayak, but the page says there will be a limited number available for rent by donation.
There is no set time for the protest, considering the Fennica’s arrival times are estimates. Keep checking the Facebook page for updates.
Beware, kayaktivists: The Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone around the Fennica. When the ship is moving, people will be required to stay at least 500 yards away from the front and 100 yards away from the sides. When it’s stopped, the buffer zone is 100 yards on all sides.
The Stranger earlier this year posted extensive coverage of kayaktivists attempts to block the behemouth drilling rig, the Polar Pioneer, from leaving the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 5. More than 20 protesters were ultimately detained for the blockade, including City Council Member Mike O’Brien.
And, since someone will most likely comment on how kayaks are made from oil, please see this Stranger blog about why that doesn’t matter.
Wait, is this yet another ‘protest’ by people on petroleum-based floaters against the evils of petroleum?
Ahh, IRONY still lives, obviously.
Oh, in my boredom of this subject – I missed the last paragraph.
All I can say in response is: Yeah, whatever hypocrite.
Keep talking. You certainly convinced me.
Wow. You really see a parallel between a one time purchase of a plastic based kayak and a multi billion dollar corporation drilling indiscriminately into pristine areas with no regulation or accountability? Dude you’re fucked in the head. That’s like saying you shouldn’t oppose nuclear war if you use a microwave.
My kayak is made out of wood. Does that mean you’re going to allow me to protest? If so, I’ll let you continue to sit at home and troll.