coast

A local activist has prevented the tug supplying the controversial offshore gas drilling rig from leaving the Port of Newcastle by attaching himself inside the tug.

The Tour Maline, which is berthed at the T1 terminal at Honeysuckle, was preparing itself to send supplies to the Ocean Patriot for exploratory drilling for gas and other minerals 55km off the shore of Newcastle.

Rising Tide spokesperson Phillipa Parsons said that offshore gas and/or oil drilling was too risky and could destroy the marine and coastal environment.