Greenpeace Ship Detained in Spain

A Greenpeace ship was detained by Spanish authorities today in the port of Arrecife, Lanzarote, following last Saturday's protest against Repsol’s potential oil drilling in the Canary Islands.

Spain’s Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (Ministerio de Fomento) has detained Arctic Sunrise, a ship operated by Greenpeace International, while an investigation is performed into the protest on November 15 which resulted in the injuries of two Greenpeace activists when the Spanish Navy allegedly rammed Arctic Sunrise, Greenpeace said.

The Spanish government has launched an investigation against the captain of the Arctic Sunrise, for an alleged infringement against marine traffic rules. Pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings, the Spanish authorities have ordered the vessel to be held until a 50,000 euro bond is paid.

The captain and crew have not been detained.