The Greenwich Greenpeace crew joined activists from all over the UK for a special tour of the new Rainbow Warrior. Despite being dwarfed by the grey towers of Canary Wharf, the new Greenpeace ship still managed to stand out - particularly when the lights were turned on all over her 'A' frame masts which, we were reliably imformed, are unique and taller than Nelson's Column.
The captain who was obviously overjoyed by his new charge. During a short welcome, he made it clear that after 20 years of working with a cantankerous old lady, he has now got the woman of his dreams (that's the ship, not the first mate).
Greenpeace's director, John Sauven, also thanked us for our efforts in raising funds for the ship and all the amazing bits of technology that have been built into the lab and communication rooms. As you can see from our photo, we decided that the £106 we raised in Greenwich must have gone to the purchase of a small but essential wheel handle (sorry, don't know the correct terminology) which will allow the crew to safely lock themselves inside should they be attacked by unwelcome visitors. (From past knowledge, this is quite likely).
John Sauven also mentioned Greenpeace's recent victory against EDF Energy. It was a very poignant moment. In 1985, the first Rainbow Warrior was blown up by agents of the French government as Greenpeace campaigned against French nuclear testing in the Pacific. In November 2011, two agents of the French government, this time in the form of directors of state-owned EDF Energy, were jailed and Greenpeace awarded €500,000 in damages after the energy giant was found guilty of spying on Greenpeace's anti-nuclear campaigns team. This happened in the week that Rainbow Warrior III started out on its maiden voyage. How about that for delayed justice.
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