Indigenous Actions and Blockades in the Pacific Northwest Continue

15.9.15

Indigenous Actions and Blockades in the Pacific Northwest Continue: [itsgoingdown.org] September 12, at approximately 7am, the drilling vessel Quin Delta (contracted out of Gregg Marine in California by Petronas/PNW LNG and Prince Rupert Port Authority) attempted to drill in Agnew Bank, on the northwest edge of Flora Bank. Gitwilgyoots members of the Lax Eula (Lelu Island) occupation camp approached the workers on the vessel to explain that no drilling has been permitted and that all drilling activities must cease.

The workers on the vessel then desisted from drilling. However, a barge pulled by the tugboat Cadal from Wainwright Marine Services out of Prince Rupert dropped markers in the water to prepare for further unauthorized work. Throughout the day the Quin Delta then attempted to remove equipment that had been installed in the ocean floor, requiring the use of a bucket-loader on a barge and a crane barge. Both attempts were unsuccessful due to mechanical failure. Prince Rupert Port Authority and other contractor and surveyor boats shuttled back and forth throughout the day as well, using the Glacial Mist Water Taxi out of Trend Marine Services in Prince Rupert. As of 9pm the vessel and equipment still appear to be immobilized on the bank due to mechanical failure.