Press Releases & Updates 2003

Elina Hinkannen (21), appearing from custody, and Juho Vuori (27), both from Finland, were charged with breaching bye-laws after swimming to the Coulport perimeter fence. Both pled not guilty and were given standard bail conditions and a trial date of 14th October.

Linus Larsson (23),from Sweden, and Petter Joelson (23), from Glasgow, appeared from custody, also charged under the bye-laws after swimming close to the boom which protects the high security area at Faslane naval base where Trident nuclear weapons submarines are berthed. Petter pled guilty to the charge. Solicitor Clare Ryan told Justice of the Peace Viv Dance that Petter accepted he had been involved but had acted in protest against nuclear weapons. He was given the maximum fine for the charge - £200. Linus pled not guilty and was given standard bail conditions and will also face trial on the 14th October.

Later Linus and Petter described how they swam across the Gare Loch, evading the police launch which patrols the area before being picked up by officers in an inflatable. They intended to reach a Trident submarine and spray-paint it with peace slogans. They were disappointed that they had not got further but accepted that getting to a submarine without being spotted requires a fair slice of luck.

Their exploit follows that of Marcus Armstrong and Peter Hammarstedt who swam into the high security area early on Monday morning. Marcus, who has swum in before and has reached a submarine, noted that security on the dockside had been increased following the embarrassment of regular and successful intrusions by peace activists. From the activists point of view there is a special bonus from these intrusions which cause the general alarm to be sounded throughout the base, leading to a cessation of normal activities for about 30 minutes.

The actions are part of the Trident Ploughshares disarmament camp at Coulport. which has so far led to 34 arrests

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