SEATTLE -- The U.S. Coast Guard says it has detained several protesters in kayaks who tried to block Royal Dutch Shell's drill rig as it leaves Seattle on its way to explore for oil in the Arctic Ocean.
Lt. Dana Warr says several people were detained Monday, mostly for violating the safety zone around the vessel. He didn't immediately know how many. He says the rig departed around 6 a.m. with police and Coast Guard enforcing the safety zone.
Greenpeace spokeswoman Cassady Sharp says about a dozen "kayaktivists" paddled out around 4 a.m. and formed a blockade. She says about 40 to 50 supporters in kayaks and canoes lined up behind them.
Shell spokesman Curtis Smith says the rig is on its way to Alaska and the company remains "committed to operating in a safe, environmentally responsible manner."