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Pipeline protesters rappel from Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, blocking tanker

Click to play video: 'Interview with Protester under the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge'
Interview with Protester under the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge
Global News reached protester William George at his new home under the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and here is what he had to say about why he is doing what he is doing – Jul 3, 2018

A number of pipeline protesters rappelled from the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge in Vancouver on Tuesday morning.

They are still there as of Tuesday afternoon.

There are seven climbers rappelling from the bridge, while five additional climbers are on the bridge’s catwalk.

WATCH: Anti-pipeline protesters raise the stakes

Click to play video: 'Anti-pipeline protesters raise the stakes'
Anti-pipeline protesters raise the stakes

Greenpeace Canada is taking responsibility for the aerial blockade, which it says is to protest the Trans Mountain oilsands oil tanker traffic.

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The climbers say they are currently in the path of the oilsands oil tanker, Serene Sea, which is currently docked at the Vancouver terminal. They say the tanker was scheduled to leave port on Tuesday morning but is now being blocked from leaving by the climbers.

However, in a statement to CKNW, Kinder Morgan said “there is no impact to our operations at this time as there are no vessels scheduled to arrive at or depart Westridge Marine Terminal [Tuesday] morning.”

The climbers plan to raise banners reading “Trudeau or Crudeau: Choose”, “Don’t bank on pipelines” and “Respect Indigenous Rights”.

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The climbers say they will also raise six additional banners reading “Protect Water #StopPipelines,” “Protect Water” and “Protect the Salish Sea” in different languages.

A Vancouver police boat is on scene and monitoring the situation.

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Traffic on the bridge is not affected at this time.

“Prime Minister Trudeau is standing on the wrong side of history,” Mike Hudema, a Greenpeace Canada spokesperson and climber based in Vancouver, said in a release. “Climate leaders don’t choose to buy pipelines. World leaders cannot be allowed to approve projects that violate the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The world is watching the choices you make next, Mr. Justin Trudeau.”

PHOTOS of the protest:

Click to play video: 'Pipeline protesters rappel from Ironworkers Memorial Bridge'
Pipeline protesters rappel from Ironworkers Memorial Bridge

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