For decades, the name “Rainbow Warrior” has been synonymous with environmental activism, courage, and the ongoing fight to protect our planet. More than just a ship, the Rainbow Warrior is a symbol of hope and defiance against those who threaten our natural world.

A Legacy Born from Protest

The story of the Rainbow Warrior truly begins with Greenpeace, the international environmental organization founded in 1971. Initially, it was a fishing trawler named “Sir William Hardy,” purchased by Greenpeace in 1977. Renamed “Rainbow Warrior” – inspired by a Native American prophecy about a time when people of all colors would unite to save the Earth – the ship quickly became the flagship of Greenpeace’s direct-action campaigns.
Its early missions were bold and often confrontational. The first Rainbow Warrior sailed into the heart of nuclear testing zones in the Pacific, protesting French nuclear weapons tests. It confronted whaling fleets, blocking their harpoons and shining a global spotlight on the barbaric practice of commercial whaling. It stood against the dumping of toxic waste and the destruction of ancient forests. The ship and its crew were not afraid to put themselves in harm’s way to bear witness and disrupt environmentally destructive activities.

The Tragic Attack and a Resilient Spirit

Perhaps the most defining, and tragic, moment in the Rainbow Warrior’s history occurred on July 10, 1985. While docked in Auckland, New Zealand, preparing to protest French nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll, the ship was bombed by agents of the French foreign intelligence service (DGSE). The attack sank the ship and tragically killed photographer Fernando Pereira.
This act of state-sponsored terrorism sent shockwaves around the world. Far from silencing Greenpeace, however, the bombing galvanized public support for their cause. The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior became a symbol of the lengths to which some would go to suppress environmental advocacy, but also a testament to the unyielding spirit of those fighting for a greener future.

From the Wreckage, New Warriors Emerge

Out of the ashes of the first Rainbow Warrior rose a new vessel, the Rainbow Warrior II, launched in 1989. This ship continued the legacy of its predecessor, sailing to every corner of the globe, confronting environmental injustices, and inspiring millions. From campaigning against climate change and advocating for renewable energy to protecting marine life and rainforests, the Rainbow Warrior II carried the torch for over two decades.
In 2011, a new, custom-built, state-of-the-art sailing ship, the Rainbow Warrior III, took to the seas. Designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible, with a focus on sail power and an electric engine, it continues to be a powerful presence in environmental campaigns worldwide. Its modern design and advanced technology allow it to be even more effective in its mission to expose environmental crimes and promote sustainable solutions.

More Than Just a Ship

The Rainbow Warrior is more than just a vessel; it’s a movement. It represents the courage of individuals who stand up against powerful interests, the power of peaceful direct action, and the enduring hope that we can create a healthier planet for future generations. Its story is a reminder that the fight for environmental protection is ongoing, but also that with determination, resilience, and a unwavering commitment to justice, we can make a difference. The Rainbow Warrior sails on, a testament to the enduring power of activism and a vibrant symbol of our shared responsibility to protect our precious Earth.