Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Image Not Available for O'Neill neoprene wetsuit worn by Ian Cohen
O'Neill neoprene wetsuit worn by Ian Cohen
Image Not Available for O'Neill neoprene wetsuit worn by Ian Cohen

O'Neill neoprene wetsuit worn by Ian Cohen

Manufacturer
Date1980s
Object number00037634
NameWetsuit
MediumNeoprene, rubber, plastic
DimensionsOverall: 1400 x 400 x 20 mm, 1300 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis black O'Neill wetsuit was worn by Ian Cohen during water-based protests against Australian involvement in the war on Iraq on 23 January 2003. HistoryHMAS KANIMBLA sailed from Sydney Harbour to join the British and American military forces in the Persian Gulf on 23 January 2003. The primary reason for waging war on Iraq was to locate illegal weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The decision by the Howard Liberal Government to send SAS troops and HMAS KANIMBLA to join the military build up in the Persian Gulf was opposed by many Australians, the Greens, and the Federal Labor opposition. At the beginning of 2003 members of the United Nations Security Council were still attempting to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Individuals opposed to the war took to the water in kayaks, dinghies and small vessels carrying signs and flags to demonstrate their opposition to Australian involvement when HMAS KANIMBLA departed Sydney Harbour on 23 January 2003. Cohen paddled out on his surfboard and told members of the NSW Police Service that he was within the law and had the right to protest on public waters. The police informed him that he could not go within the area marked by yellow markers or he would be arrested. Cohen used the surfboard again on 8 April 2003 when HMAS SYDNEY left Sydney Harbour bound for the Persian Gulf. On both occasions he was picked up by NSW Water Police but released without charge. SignificanceIan Cohen was a major participant during water-based protests against Australian involvement in the war on Iraq in 2003.