"More Protests Planned After Giant Oil Rig Muscles In"

"Activists expect a larger turnout Saturday, when a flotilla rally is scheduled against the Polar Pioneer’s presence in Seattle. Another big event is planned for Monday near Terminal 5."

"Paddle-powered activists hit the waters of Elliott Bay in kayaks Thursday to throw an 'unwelcome party' for a massive Shell drilling rig as it reached the Port of Seattle.

The protesters, opposed to the Port serving as a base for Shell Oil’s Arctic fleet, met the Polar Pioneer rig in more than 20 kayaks. Then they linked together and unfurled a banner with the message, “Arctic Drilling = Climate Change.”

The activists, concerned about oil spills off Alaska and the impact of fossil-fuel consumption on climate change, were accompanied by members of the Duwamish Tribe, who paddled through the waves in a long wooden canoe and led the group in chanted songs."

Daniel Beekman and Coral Garnick report for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer May 14, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Kayakers Protest as Arctic Drill Rig Moors Off Seattle" (Associated Press)

"Kayak Protest Launched as Shell Arctic Drilling Rig Arrives In Seattle" (Aljazeera America)

"Obama Defends Arctic Drilling Decision" (The Hill)

"Shell Oil Rig Arrives In Seattle Amid Fierce Outcry" (Reuters)

Source: Seattle Times, 05/15/2015