Dutch environmental activists attempt to block cruise ship from docking in Amsterdam

Protesters from the Dutch arm of environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion attempted to prevent a cruise ship from docking in the Port of Amsterdam on Saturday, July 26.

Small inflatable boats carrying some of the 30 protesters that had gathered at the port manoeuvred dangerously close to the cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse for photo ops and to prevent the 122,000GT vessel from docking at Passagiers Terminal Amsterdam shortly after 04:30 local time on Saturday.

The group said via a social media post that its, "action against the cruise industry," was done in protest over, "the harmful influence of cruise ships on people, nature, and the climate."

The group added that cruise ships are "floating environmental disasters" and, "should not be allowed in Dutch waters."

The blockade ended less than two hours later when local police intervened by sending patrol launches to drive the protesters' boats away from the area to allow the cruise ship to safely enter the port.

Local media said that five protesters were arrested though two were later released.

A port official pointed out the dangers of harassment actions such as that done by Extinction Rebellion. For example, the wake generated by a larger ship's propellers could have resulted in hazardous conditions for any small boats nearby.