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Activists Block Ship by Hanging Off Bridge

Updated: Thu, Jul 30 2015, 10:02 AM

PORTALND, OR (CBS 2/FOX 28) - A group of Greenpeace activists have rappelled over the side of the Saint John’s Bridge in Portland, Oregon trying to stop a ship headed to the arctic for an oil drilling operation.

Thirteen protesters went over the rail, hanging beneath the bridge and anchored by 13 others on deck.

They want to prevent a Shell Oil ice-breaking vessel from leaving the port.

The ship has to be at a site in the arctic so that shell can re-apply for drilling approval. The ship has a limited amount of time to reach the site before ice blocks the way.

Greenpeace has vowed to block the ship.

The activists rigged the ropes so they could raise or lower themselves to allow other ships to pass the bridge.

They also say they've brought supplies to last for several days and will hang from the bridge as long as it takes.

Portland police are monitoring the situation.