Greenpeace Mourns 40 Years Since Rainbow Warrior Bombing

On July 11, 2025, Greenpeace held a dawn commemoration to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, a ship that was attacked by French intelligence agents in Auckland, New Zealand. The bombing resulted in the death of Portuguese-Dutch photographer Fernando Pereira, who was on board the ship. The incident occurred on July 10, 1985, and was a major international scandal. The Rainbow Warrior was preparing to sail to Mururoa Atoll to protest French nuclear testing when it was bombed. The attack was carried out by French intelligence agents who were attempting to prevent the ship from interfering with the nuclear tests. The bombing caused significant damage to the ship and resulted in the death of Pereira, who died while trying to rescue his equipment from the sinking ship. The incident sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from around the world. Greenpeace has continued to campaign against nuclear testing and has worked to promote peace and environmental protection. The commemoration was attended by Greenpeace activists, supporters, and family members of Pereira. The event included a ceremony to honor the memory of Pereira and the Rainbow Warrior, and to reaffirm Greenpeace’s commitment to its mission. The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior was a significant moment in the history of the environmental movement, and it highlighted the risks and challenges faced by activists who work to protect the environment. The incident also led to a major overhaul of New Zealand’s security and intelligence agencies, and it had a significant impact on the country’s foreign policy. In the years since the bombing, Greenpeace has continued to campaign against nuclear testing and has worked to promote sustainable energy and environmental protection. The organization has also worked to support communities affected by nuclear testing and to promote peace and disarmament. The commemoration was an important reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and promoting peace and justice. It was also a tribute to the memory of Pereira and the other activists who have worked to protect the environment over the years. The event was covered by local and international media, and it helped to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection and the risks faced by activists. The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior was a tragic event that had a significant impact on the world, and it will always be remembered as a major moment in the history of the environmental movement.

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