Action against nuclear submarine

By Rohan Gaiswinkler

HOBART -- About 20 activists in kayaks and dinghies braved the wintry conditions on November 4 to protest the arrival of the nuclear-powered and probably nuclear-armed USS New York City.

The protest fleet, organised by Ecofleet and the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, approached the submarine as it was about to anchor in the Derwent River. Flares were set off as a reminder of the nine nuclear reactors that lie at the bottom of the world's oceans, and to draw attention to the presence and danger of the nuclear submarine.

Police are likely to prosecute the protesters for lighting flares even though both police and the Marine Board were warned beforehand that the flares would not be a distress call.

The commander of the New York City, Gregory Vaughan conceded that there was a “very, very small” risk posed by the submarine's stay. He described it as equivalent to the risks of “everyday life”.

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