Protestors halt US navy exercise in Vieques

Fishermen and protestors in nine speedboats have invaded restricted waters off Vieques Island in Puerto Rico in an attempt to stall a US navy bombing exercise.

The boats raced towards the navy's firing range, stopping ship-to-shore shelling exercises for about three hours.

The fishermen are protesting because they are not allowed to fish in the restricted waters during navy exercises.

70% of Vieques residents have voted for an end to the bombing, but US President George W Bush has vowed to keep troops in the area until at least 2003.