Flotillas of Hope denied access to Nauru

by: FoH/Melbourne IMC

Nauru: Crews of the Eureka and One Off confronted vessels from Nauru, and were continually harassed for over four hours (Eureka report) to leave the 12 mile territorial limit and the 24 nautical mile zone. Interception was expected.

Previously, the Nauru Government signalled its intention to suspend the Conventions of the Law of the Sea by seizing the Flotilla boats and imprisoning its crews. The Flotilla of Hope have sailed 4,000 kms to Australia's internment camp on Nauru to protest against the Australian Government's detention of those who arrive in Australia by boat and without papers.

Commenting on their subsequent decision to leave Nauru, FoH member Stavros said:
"Once the Nauruan authorities discovered we were within the 12 mile zone they were adamant that we leave OR be arrested and have the boats impounded. Some of the crew discussed the possibility of being arrested and we decided that if we do get arrested we would help the refugee cause. HOWEVER, the spectre of the skippers losing their boats because we could be arrested stymied our enthusiasm.
I [...] take full responsibility for my decisions BUT when these decisions impinge on the boats of our skippers I couldn't risk it."

Latest updates from Flotillas of Hope, http://hopecaravan.com/discuss/viewforum.php?f=6
Peace News article on Flotillas of Hope, http://www.peacenews.info/issues/2455/245522.html

Source: Melbourne IMC