The sailing vessel Vega, which is holding her ground close off the drill ship the Noble Bob Douglas, is monitored by the Hart Tide, one of the drill ship's support vessels.

The Oil Free Seas Flotilla is a coalition of individuals, boat owners, and organisations raising their voices against the inherent dangers that deep-sea oil exploration brings to New Zealand oceans and coastlines.
They also oppose new legislation that takes away the long-standing right to protest peacefully at sea.