Rousing sendoff for anti-nuke yachts

By TONY GEE

Four New Zealand yachts sailed from Opua in the Bay of Islands with the Government's blessing yesterday to join an international protest against the passage of nuclear fuel through the Tasman Sea.

Two British-flagged ships, the Pacific Pintail and Pacific Teal, are in the Indian Ocean heading for Japan via the Tasman Sea with a cargo of mixed plutonium and uranium oxide fuel.

Nuclear-free Tasman Flotilla spokesman Tony Atkinson says only one ship is carrying the cargo. The other is sailing with it as an armed escort.

The four New Zealand yachts are to rendezvous in the Tasman this week with three more protest yachts from Australia.

The flotilla, carrying about 40 protesters ranging in age from 12 to 68, will then sail to international waters between Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands through which the two ships are scheduled to pass around March 1.

Their aim is to peacefully demonstrate New Zealand, Australian and international opposition to use of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean as a "nuclear highway" for plutonium-carrying ships.

Once the yachts arrive at their destination point, 650 nautical miles northwest of Auckland - they plan to form a symbolic chain across the 730 miles of international waters where the ships will pass. A spokesman said they would not stop or obstruct the ships.

About 30 craft of varying sizes, from canoes to big sailing ships, gave the four New Zealand vessels a maritime send off from Opua yesterday afternoon as the Nanu, Ranui, Secret Affair and Siome set sail.

The only MP present among the 500-odd supporters and wellwishers on Opua Wharf, Te Tai Tokerau's Dover Samuels, read a letter to the crowd on behalf of Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Helen Clark said the Tasman flotilla reinforced the concern of people throughout the region at the passage of plutonium through the Tasman Sea.

The New Zealand Government had already protested strongly and had called on the British and French companies undertaking the shipment to adhere to the highest possible safety standards.

"The overwhelming public support for anti-nuclear laws illustrates the extent to which New Zealanders want nothing to do with these dangerous cargoes."

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