Shell icebreaker heads for protesters dangling from bridge



PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A Shell Oil icebreaker is heading for a showdown with environmental activists dangling from Portland, Oregon's tallest bridge.

Environmental activists on St. Johns Bridge and kayakers on the water below are trying to block the icebreaker from heading to the Arctic for a drill operation.

The icebreaker Fennica arrived in Portland for repairs last week. The vessel was damaged earlier this month in the Aleutian Islands when it struck an underwater obstruction, tearing a gash in its hull.

It was stalled Thursday morning in the water near the bridge.

The U.S. Coast Guard was escorting the icebreaker on the Willamette River and warned the activists that they are breaking the law.