G8 protesters in three high-speed inflatable boats were intercepted by German police as they tried to penetrate the heavy security cordon around Heiligendamm yesterday.

A news helicopter showed the police vessel almost ramming one of the speed boats after suddenly putting on a turn of speed.

One boat carried a yellow banner saying "G8 act now".

The German police, navy, Coast Guard and Customs are maintaining a permanent presence in the waters surrounding the resort where the leaders of the eight leading industrialized nations are meeting.

Protesters tried the new tactic after horses, helicopters, armored cars, unmarked vehicles and riot police were used to cut off the land routes to the normally tranquil German town.

Up to 16,000 police were deployed as tens of thousands of protesters tried to break through the security cordon.

German police said eight officers had been injured in skirmishes while dozens of anti-G8 marchers reported burns and bruises from water cannon used to clear roads of protesters.

The Guardian and agencies

(China Daily 06/08/2007 page2)