Breaking news: Greenpeace ship ARCTIC SUNRISE freed

11:40 am:

The Greenpeace vessel ARCTIC SUNRISE has left the Faslane naval base where she has been impounded since protesters breached the restricted area of the Gareloch on 23rd February.

Observers say the vessel left the quayside at the base where she has been held at approximately 10:30 am today and proceeded down the Gareloch closely accompanied by the MoD tugs IMPETUS and IMPULSE out into the wider Firth of Clyde. The tugs continued to escort the vessel down the Clyde.

18 of the protestors who took part in the action on the 23rd have been been charged with bylaws pertaining to the breach of restricted areas and the inflatable boats used have been impounded by the Procurator fiscal, according to latest posts on the Greenpeace website. Her captain had faced a possible two years jail sentence.

Photo by Lesley Wild shows ARCTIC SUNRISE heading down the Firth of Clyde this morning.