Greenpeace activists have thrown themselves into the sea in front of a huge offshore oil exploration vessel off the New Zealand coast. Among them was Greenpeace NZ Executive Director, Russel Norman.

The swimmers’ position forced the oil exploration ship to halt its operations and deviate off course.

This took place 50 nautical miles off the Wairarapa coast where the 125 metre Amazon Warrior, nicknamed “The Beast” is seismic blasting for oil.

Part of an expedition of Greenpeace NZ's crowdfunded boat Taitu.