Iceland Denies Entry to Paul Watson Ship Based on Risk Assessment

Iceland's Coast Guard denied the Paul Watson Foundation's ship, Bandero, permission to enter Faxaflói bay, citing a risk assessment conducted by the Directorate of National Police. The decision was made after the ship requested permission to dock on the evening of Monday, August 2nd, 2026.

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Although it is the case that ships are permitted peaceful passage within Iceland's territorial waters, it is certainly difficult to argue that in light of the comments and threats made by the Paul Watson Foundation that the voyage of this ship was peaceful.

Ásgeir Erlendsson, spokesperson for the Coast Guard, stated that the ship's request was specifically for port entry, not merely passage within Iceland's territorial waters, contrary to earlier reports. He explained that the denial was based on available information, including the risk assessment, which considered "comments and threats made by the Paul Watson Foundation." Erlendsson argued that, given these threats, it would be difficult to justify the ship's voyage as peaceful.

Erlendsson also addressed inaccuracies in previous reporting, clarifying that the Coast Guard did not fail to respond to Bandero's request. He explained that additional questions were received and that a comprehensive response was in progress when the ship's actions began. The spokesperson noted that responding to multiple inquiries naturally takes time.

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The request was denied by the Coast Guard with reference to the documents available in the case, including a risk assessment conducted by the Directorate of National Police.

The Paul Watson Foundation, known for its marine conservation activism, has previously engaged in direct actions against whaling and other maritime activities. The risk assessment likely factored in the organization's history of confrontational tactics.

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The Coast Guard received further questions with a request for further justification, and that answer was simply in progress when these actions began by the crew of Bandero.