An Australian Greenpeace activist says she's "safe and secure" on an oil rig in the Pacific Ocean after boarding it to protest Shell's plans to drill in the Arctic.
Australian Zoe Lennox, 21, is one of six people who have infiltrated Shell's 38,000-tonne Polar Pioneer platform, which is in the Pacific Ocean en route to the Arctic.
The group, which also includes activists from US, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden and Austria, climbed aboard the platform, 1200km northwest of Hawaii, on Tuesday morning, Greenpeace says.
"40m above ocean, safe &secure Now #TheCrossing really starts Now we expose Shell to the world," Ms Lennox tweeted on Tuesday afternoon, along with a photo showing a number of the activists on the rig.
Earlier in the day Ms Lennox tweeted a photo of herself suspended from a rope on the oil rig with the caption: "I'm just one person stuck on a drill rig, but you are many".
Another photo posted by Greenpeace shows a rubber dinghy beside the rig with the first of six activists, rope in hand, poised to scale the platform.
Another picture shows three activists on board the vessel, wearing climbing gear, harnesses and helmets hoisting a banner which reads: "THE PEOPLE VS SHELL".
The environmentalists sailed to the platform on the Greenpeace ship Esperanza, and say they have supplies "to last for several days" on the platform.
They're protesting Shell's plans to drill for oil in the Arctic.
The Polar Pioneer, which is being transported on a heavy-lift vessel called Blue Marlin, is one of two Shell drilling vessels heading towards the Arctic.
Shell has confirmed that the protesters have boarded the platform.
"[They're] jeopardising not only the safety of the crew on board, but the protesters themselves," US spokeswoman Kelly op de Weegh said.
Ms op de Weegh said Shell had met with organisations and individuals who oppose energy exploration offshore Alaska.
"We respect their views and value the dialogue," she said.
"We will not, however, condone the illegal tactics employed by Greenpeace. Nor will we allow these stunts to distract from preparations underway to execute a safe and responsible exploration program."
Shell Australia has been sought for further comment.
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