They cast off early around 6 am on June 15 as the massive oil exploratry platform the Polar Pioneer began it's trip to Alaska. leaving West Seattle's Terminal 5 where it has been moored since mid-May.

Protestors attempted to form a blockade around the rig but the Coast Guard took charge and towed them out of the way. Several protestors were detained by officials, City Councilmember Mike O'Brien was among those detained. He was fined $250.

The rig is headed to the Chukchi Sea northwest of Alaska. Shell was granted to more permits to do its exploratory drilling in that area this summer.

They will be allowed to discharge wastewater which could include water based drilling fluids, cuttings from inside the well and wastewater produced on board.

Four more federal permits are required for Shell to begin drilling including two "incidental harassment" authorizations allowing Shell to disturb marine life in the region and two drilling permits that must be granted by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.