Coast Guard helps remove protester from Shell support ship

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The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(SEATTLE) — Coast Guard personnel assisted in the removal of an activist who secured herself to the anchor chain of the Arctic Challenger in Bellingham, Wash., on Monday morning.

Chiara D'Angelo requested Coast Guard assistance down from the vessel's anchor chain at approximately 9:30 a.m. and was transported to Coast Guard Station Bellingham.

Coast Guard personnel transported her in good condition to Station Bellingham where she was met by EMS and the Bellingham Police Department. She was issued a summons and released in good condition.

The Coast Guard did not cite any vessels for violating the safety zone overnight.

“It was cold, rainy and she was starting to display signs of hypothermia,” said Chief Warrant Officer Charles Chavtur, commanding officer of Station Bellingham. “Boat crew members were able to safely assist her down from the chain and gave her blankets and water. We brought her back to the station where she was evaluated by EMS and released to her family and friends.”

The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of people to safely and lawfully assemble on the water and is committed to enforcing the laws and regulations necessary to ensure the safety of the maritime public. 

Violation of the safety zone can result in possible civil or criminal penalties. Whether intentional or unintentional, interference with these vessels has the potential to result serious injury, death or pollution in the highly sensitive ecosystem of Puget Sound.

By Professional Mariner Staff