Irish fishermen protest Shell’s gas pipe

Irish fishermen and other locals, concerned that a new offshore gas pipe could destroy their livelihoods, are protesting against the pipe being laid.

Energy giant Shell wants to lay the pipe through Broadhaven Bay on the north west coast of Ireland to connect up its Corrib gas refinery.

Crab fishermen and environmentalists in the area are anxious that the pipe could leak, polluting the bay and killing off the crab population.

On Wednesday morning two fishermen were arrested and their boat seized because they entered the safe zone around Shell’s pipe laying ship, the Solitaire.

The father and son, aged 51 and 23, were quickly released, but rearrested hours later when they joined another protest at sea.

Meanwhile, local activist and school teacher Maura Harrington has started a hunger strike against the pipe laying ship.

The 54 year old has written to the captain of the ship stating that she will not eat until the Solitaire leaves Irish territorial waters.

Five other people have chained themselves together in protest against the ship.

On Wednesday evening, Shell reported that the Solitaire’s pipe laying equipment was damaged, with pipe-laying suspended for at least 48 hours until the ship is repaired.

The Irish government has responded by sending a naval vessel to protect the Solitaire and assist Shell.