Silent Witness to History: The Rainbow Warrior, 40 Years After Its Tragic Sinking
Today, July 9, 2025, marks the 40th anniversary of the bombing and sinking of the Rainbow Warrior, a pivotal event that not only rocked New Zealand but sent ripples across the international community.
On July 10, 1985 (New Zealand Standard Time), the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior was targeted and sunk by two explosive devices. These were covertly attached to its hull by operatives of the French intelligence service (DGSE) while the ship was moored at Marsden Wharf in Auckland, New Zealand. The attack tragically claimed the life of Fernando Pereira, a Portuguese-Dutch photographer, who drowned while attempting to retrieve his camera equipment after the first explosion.
A Protest Interrupted
The Rainbow Warrior was preparing to lead a flotilla to Mururoa Atoll in the South Pacific, aiming to protest French nuclear testing. Greenpeace had been a vocal opponent of these tests, citing significant environmental and health concerns in the Pacific region. The bombing, codenamed "Opération Satanique," was a retaliatory act designed to neutralize the vessel and thwart Greenpeace's planned demonstration.
French Denial and Subsequent Admission
Initially, the French government denied any involvement in the bombing. However, New Zealand police arrested two French secret service agents, Dominique Prieur and Alain Mafart, who were later convicted of manslaughter and willful damage. Faced with mounting evidence and immense international pressure, French Prime Minister Laurent Fabius eventually admitted that DGSE agents had indeed sunk the vessel under official orders.
Lasting Impact on New Zealand and Beyond
The attack was widely viewed as an act of state-sponsored terrorism on New Zealand soil, deeply shocking the nation and solidifying its anti-nuclear stance. It severely strained diplomatic relations between New Zealand and France and played a role in New Zealand's pursuit of a more independent foreign policy.
The two convicted French agents were later controversially repatriated to France after a deal was struck between the two governments. The damaged Rainbow Warrior was ultimately deemed irreparable. It was scuttled near the Cavalli Islands in New Zealand, where it now serves as a vibrant artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life and divers.
The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior endures as a powerful symbol of peaceful protest confronted by state violence. It remains a significant chapter in Greenpeace's history and a landmark event in the broader history of environmental activism.
Commemorating Four Decades
The 40th anniversary is being marked by various events and reflections. The current Greenpeace flagship, also named Rainbow Warrior, is returning to Auckland to commemorate the bombing. Public discussions and extensive media coverage, including podcasts like SBS Audio's "Fallout: Spies on Norfolk," are drawing attention to the event, with calls for people to share their memories. This anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the bombing's enduring legacy and its profound impact on international relations, environmental advocacy, and New Zealand's national identity.
