Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Golden-Soul

In a dramatic escalation of climate activism, around 170 demonstrators were arrested at the Port of Newcastle, the largest coal port globally, prompting the 'Golden Soul' to turn back while attempting to dock. The protest commenced on November 22, 2024, as activists took to the waters using surfboards, kayaks, and various boats in a three-day demonstration aimed at raising awareness about coal-related environmental issues. As tensions rose, three activists faced charges on November 23 for allegedly defying police orders to vacate the shipping channel. By November 24, a staggering 170 individuals had been arrested for failing to comply with safety directives, with authorities charging 156 adults and 14 youths. The charges included 138 counts of disruption of a major facility and 32 counts of non-compliance with safety instructions from authorized officers. Significantly, the protest raised considerable safety concerns, leading to the police marine area command and divers rescuing 34 individuals from the water during the arrests. Water police also aided ten others who struggled to return to shore. Disturbingly, a 12-month-old infant was spotted in a kayak amidst the chaos, raising alarms about the safety of participants in the protest. During the operation, one police officer sustained a serious injury, fracturing his ankle due to unforeseen circumstances related to the demonstration. While five arrests occurred outside the water footprint, numerous infringement notices were issued to the protestors, indicating a potential for further legal actions. Despite the disruptions, the Port of Newcastle reported minimal impact on operations. However, the 'Golden Soul,' intended for docking, was forced to reschedule its arrival due to the blockade in the shipping channel. Harbour activities continued to operate as usual amid the protests, showcasing the tensions at play between climate activism and shipping operations. For more information, check out the full report with visuals here: https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/crime/approximately-170-climate-protestors-arrested-inbound-ship-forced-to-turn-back-at-port-of-newcastle-anticoal-demonstration/news-story/34616780259c23d20abbcc13e7f6a02c.