Last-minute attempt to stop Shell’s oil exploration of whale breeding grounds

Campaigners file legal challenge against seismic survey along South Africa's Eastern Cape province

An 11th hour attempt has been launched to try to halt plans by Shell to explore for oil in vital whale breeding grounds along the Wild Coast of eastern South Africa.

Campaigners filed an urgent legal challenge against the seismic survey, which was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, in an effort to prevent it harming whales, dolphins and seals in the relatively untouched marine environment.