France Blows Up Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior

This episode delves into the infamous incident where French secret agents sabotaged and sank the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in 1985, resulting in the death of a crew member.

1. French secret agents orchestrated the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior to disrupt Greenpeace’s protests against nuclear testing.
2. The operation led to unintended casualties, complicating the mission and sparking an international controversy.
3. The incident significantly affected French-New Zealand relations, leading to diplomatic tensions and international legal repercussions.
4. Greenpeace’s resolve strengthened, leading to broader public support and eventual shifts in global nuclear testing policies.
5. The case remains a poignant reminder of the lengths to which governments might go to protect national interests against environmental activism.

1: The Attack

The crew of the Rainbow Warrior celebrates a birthday, unaware of the impending disaster. Two explosions orchestrated by French agents sink the ship, resulting in chaos and the tragic death of Fernando Pereira. Fernando Pereira: "Just grabbing my camera before I join the rest."

2: Operation Satanic

Detailing the French government's secret plan, this chapter explores the meticulous preparation by agents Alain Maffar and Dominique Prieur to sabotage the Rainbow Warrior in New Zealand. Alain Maffar: "We need this mission to go smoothly to avoid ruining international relations."

3: The Fallout

The immediate aftermath of the bombing, the international investigation that followed, and how the incident strained diplomatic relations between France and New Zealand. Lindsey Graham: "The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior was not just an environmental tragedy but a serious diplomatic blunder."

1. Stay Informed on Environmental Issues: Educate yourself about ongoing environmental challenges and how they are being addressed globally.
2. Support Environmental NGOs: Consider supporting or volunteering for organizations that fight for environmental causes you care about.
3. Advocate for Transparent Governance: Promote and engage in advocacy for more transparent and accountable governmental actions, especially regarding environmental policies.
4. Participate in Peaceful Protests: Join or organize peaceful demonstrations to raise awareness and pressure governments and corporations to change harmful practices.
5. Be Vigilant About Security: If involved in activism, remain aware of the security risks and prepare appropriate safety measures.

July 10, 1985, members of the French secret service detonate two bombs sinking Greenpeace’s boat the Rainbow Warrior, killing one. This episode originally aired in 2023.

People

Fernando Pereira, Alain Maffar, Dominique Prieur

Companies

Greenpeace

Books

None

Guest Name(s):

None

Content Warnings:

This episode contains discussions about terrorism and death.

Speaker A
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Speaker B
It'S almost midnight on July 10, 1985. Aboard the ship Rainbow warrior at Portland in Auckland, New Zealand, Fernando Pereira and his crewmates raise their beer bottles and cheers. Fernando flashes an impish smile before downing the last of his drink. Tonight, the ship's crew have been celebrating a birthday, and while most of the party has died down, Fernando is determined to keep it going. But before he can grab another drink, an explosion rocks the rainbow warrior.

Bottles roll off the table, shattering on the ground while the boat shakes with the force from the blast. As the explosion subsides, a crewmate goes to check the engine room. He discovers that it's filling with water. The order is soon given to abandon ship, but as the crew evacuates, Fernando pauses. He remembers his camera as a photographer.

It's his livelihood and hoping he can. Quickly grab it before joining the rest. Of the crew on the dock, Fernando rushes down to his cabin. He grabs his camera bag, but as he turns to leave the room, a second explosion rocks the Rainbow warrior, knocking Fernando unconscious as water floods into the ship.

In 1977, environmental activism organization Greenpeace bought the Rainbow Warrior to draw attention to a range of issues. Through its protests against nuclear testing and confrontations with seal and whale hunters around the world, the ship has generated big headlines, but it has also made powerful enemies. Five years ago, the ship was confiscated by the spanish navy. Three years later, members of the crew. Were arrested by the Soviets.

Now, its mission to protest nuclear bomb tests has drawn the ire of the french government, who will prove to be behind the explosions that sink the rainbow warrior, killing 35 year old Fernando Pereira in the process and launching an international investigation. On July 10, 1985.

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Speaker B
From noiser and airship I'm Lindsey Graham, and this is history daily.

History is made every day on this podcast. Every day we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is July 10, 1985 France sinks Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior its June 22, 1985 at a hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. Less than three weeks before the attack on the Rainbow Warrior, Commander Hollande maffar steps up to the reception desk, joined by Captain Dominique Prieur. Both are agents of the french secret service, here to carry out a secret mission to sink Greenpeace's famous protest ship.

For years, the organization has been fighting against nuclear testing, becoming a nuisance for several countries, including France, who has decided to retaliate by sabotaging Greenpeace's flagship boat. Earlier this spring, a french agent infiltrated the organization's New Zealand office. While there, she discovered that the Rainbow warrior plans to lead a flotilla to stop one of France's upcoming nuclear tests in the Pacific. Upon learning of this information, France's intelligence agency sent Alain and Dominique to support a team who will sink the rainbow warrior while it's docked in Auckland. It's not an easy mission.

Greenpeace is widely known for its pacifism, and New Zealand is a french ally. So Alain knows that this mission, codenamed Operation Satanic, must go smoothly to keep Frances actions a secret and avoid ruining international relations. So far, it's off to a good start. The hotel receptionist greets Alain warmly as he and Dominique approach, Alain runs a hand through his hair, flashing a charming smile. Before getting to business, he slides two swiss passports across the counter, checking in himself and Dominque under the pseudonyms Alain and Sophie Toronche.

When the receptionist asks what brings the couple to New Zealand, Alain responds calmly with their pre planned cover story, explaining that he and Dominque are newlyweds here to explore New Zealand on their honeymoon. The receptionist smiles and assures them theyll have a wonderful visit, encouraging Alain to ask for anything they need during their stay. Alain shrugs politely and says, for now, they just need some rest. Taking their room keys, the two agents retire to their room for some much needed sleep. After the 27 hours journey from France, they want to be sharp as they execute their part of Operation Satanic.

Over the coming days, Alain and Dominique perform some vital reconnaissance, and as they explore the Auckland harbor, they are happy to discover very little security, ensuring it will be easy for the rest of their teammates to enter the harbor by boat. All they have to do now is wait for the Rainbow Warrior to arrive. And on July 7, the familiar protest ship pulls into the harbor, receiving a warm welcome from local and indigenous residents. Appreciative of the causes it fights for, Alain and Dominique are just as excited by its arrival. With the rainbow warrior birthed in Auckland, it's now their job to ensure it doesn't leave before the french secret Service has time to destroy it.

The plan is simple enough. One agent will attach several mines to the rainbow warrior that will then be detonated and sink the ship. But there's plenty of preparation that must be done beforehand, so Alain and Dominique begin seeking supplies. First, they need to secure an inflatable boat and diving equipment to help their teammates stealthily approach the rainbow warrior. And once they acquire that gear, they need to find a way to hand it off to the diving team without attracting attention.

So Alain and Dominique decide to rent a camper van to help them move the equipment around. After getting all this in order, the pair then rendezvous with the other members of the team who have just arrived in Auckland. Together, the crew finalizes their plan. Alain and Dominique take responsibility for preparing and transporting the infloatable boat and diving gear while the rest of the team preps the explosives. A few days later, on July 10, the members of Operation Satanic attach their mines to the Rainbow warrior.

Within a few hours, the first mine blows a hole about the size of a car into the hull, and ten minutes later, a second explosion goes off, sinking the ship. The mission will seem like a resounding success until the agents learn that the attack killed one member of the Greenpeace crew. The death of photographer Fernando Pereira will pose a serious complication. The goal of Operation Satanic was to sink the rainbow warrior without casualties. But now there has been a murder and there will be a vigorous search for the culprits behind the attack.

In the wake of the tragedy, Alain and Dominique will try to flee New Zealand as quickly and inconspicuously as possible. They will feel confident that if they keep their heads, they can get out of New Zealand and safely home soon enough. But Alain and Dominique will not realize that they have left a trail of clues. And once the investigation into the Rainbow warriors sinking starts, it won't be long before detectives track the french agents down.

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Its the morning of July 12, 1985, in Auckland, New Zealand. Just two days after the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, 21 year old Rebecca Hayter walks into work at a car rental office. As she does, she can't stop puzzling over the week's mysterious events. News of the Rainbow warriors sinking has captivated and confused the nation. The morning after the ship was sunk, investigators determined that it had been bombed.

From the outside, this meant they could officially rule out an accident. They subsequently asked for anyone who had information about suspicious persons or activities to get in touch with authorities. Since New Zealand is a small and often tight knit country, it wasnt long before leads began pouring in. With their thick accents, Frances secret agents drew attention practically everywhere they went. And then last night, Rebecca received a call from one of her coworkers at the rental agency.

The police wanted to know about a swiss couple who rented a camper van. Rebecca remembers the newlyweds well, but its hard for her to imagine that the supposed lovebirds were dangerous criminals. Still, shes determined to help the police any way she can. So as Rebecca enters the office this morning, she asks her colleague if they remember the swiss honeymooners who came in a few days ago. Her co worker immediately knows exactly who shes talking about, adding that the couple is actually here again right now.

Rebecca struggles to remain calm as she checks in the newlyweds she knows as Alon and Sophie. Wearing a stiff grin, she tries to act naturally as the couple tells her theyve come to return the van, explaining they need to cut their trip short. Rebecca tells them shes sorry to hear that, but assures them it wont be a problem. She just needs to check with her manager. She asks them to wait patiently while she steps away.

Covertly, Rebecca and her coworkers contact the police and promise to delay the french couple until officers can arrive. Rebecca tells the pair shes happy to accept the van early, but she needs to process their refund. She drags out the process as long as possible, and as Rebecca stalls, she can see the couple begin to fidget, their gazes growing more intense. But the two french agents fail to escape before detectives arrive and place them under arrest. Over the next few days, authorities uncover more clues about the bombing.

It becomes increasingly clear that the attack on the rainbow warrior was not a random attack, but likely an act of state sponsored terrorism. At first, France denies any involvement in the bombing. But the New Zealand government is unconvinced. Determined to get to the bottom of the plot, they refuse to rest until they can find and punish whoever set off the bombs that killed Fernando Pereira. Soon, New Zealand authorities trace a number of clues to other members of Operation Satanic.

And on July 13, on the 13th, they track down a yacht that was seen around Auckland at the time of the bombing. Upon boarding the boat, they find three french men who they promptly place under arrest. But problems arise as the detectives find themselves rushed, though, they discover evidence linking the yacht to the bombing. Since the boat is in waters under australian jurisdiction, local law dictates that they only have 24 hours to charge the frenchman with a crime. Detectives race to process the evidence, but they cant do it quickly enough, and they are forced to release the three french men.

And once out of police custody, the agents link up with a french submarine and sink their yacht before vanishing. By July 24, every member of Operation Satanic has successfully fled New Zealand, except for Alain and Dominique, who are charged with arson and murder. After weeks spent condemning the bombing and feigning innocence, Frances government slowly begins to admit that they sent spies to New Zealand. But they still dont confess to the bombing. Acknowledging their role in the attack would be both a huge embarrassment and a grave insult to New Zealand.

So the French continue to try to conceal the full extent of Operation Satanic. But they cant hide this information forever. Eventually, a french newspaper publishes a damning expose reporting that french secret service agents were behind the bombing of the Rainbow warrior. This revelation would cause Frances Defense Minister to step down and its head of secret service to be fired. But these measures will not satisfy New Zealand, demanding greater punishment for the attack.

The nation will try to track down other members of Operation Satanic, but France will refuse to cooperate, leaving New Zealand to make an example of the only spies they do have in custody.

Speaker C
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Speaker B
It'S November 3, 1985 at the High Court in Auckland, New Zealand. French Secret Service agent Alain Maffar sits up in his seat, waiting for the judge to enter the room. At his side is co conspirator Dominique Prieur. After Alon and Dominique were arrested for the attack on the rainbow warrior, they were charged with arson and conspiring to commit murder, to which they pled not guilty. After initially denying any involvement in the bombing, the french government tried to pressure New Zealand to drop charges and return Alain and Dominique to France.

But after Frances role was exposed in the news, the french prime minister admitted his countrys secret service had planned the attack. While its widely understood that Alain and Dominique acted as part of a team, they are the only ones New Zealand authorities were able to arrest and now must answer for their actions in court. As the judge enters the room, Alain and Dominique rise to their feet. They listen as the court reads out new charges of arson and manslaughter. The lawyer for New Zealands government explains that they are ready to accept a lesser charge since they cannot prove Alain and Dominque personally placed the mines on the rainbow warrior or that they intended to kill anyone on the boat.

When asked for his plea to these charges, Alain responds firmly guilty and when its her turn, Dominique pleads guilty too. The whole trial is over in less than 30 minutes. Alain and Dominique are sentenced to ten years in prison. But France applies intense pressure on New Zealand to let the agents go, threatening an embargo which would harm New Zealands economy. New Zealand appeals to the United nations who mediates the dispute and eventually declares that France must apologize and compensate New Zealand.

The UN also orders Hollande and Dominique to serve their full sentences, but both will be released within a few years. When they return to France, the agents receive honors and promotions. The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior will have a lasting impact on Greenpeace and New Zealand. It will show the environmental organization that their struggle against nuclear proliferation faces powerful adversaries, and it will intensify New Zealand support for their fight. While Greenpeace will buy a new rainbow warrior, New Zealand will advocate for a nuclear free Pacific.

And eleven years after the rainbow warriors bombing, France will end its nuclear testing program in the Pacific Ocean. But the fight to bring the other members of Operation Satanic to justice will continue. Decades later, one of the members of the team will come forward to apologize. But for many, including Fernando Pereira's family, the apology would be long overdue and insufficient. Unable to compensate for the tragedy of the bombing that killed Fernando and sank the Rainbow Warrior on July 10, 1985.

Speaker A
Next on History Daily July 11, 2001. Following a legal battle, the peer to peer music sharing software, Napster, is forced. To cease operations, but not before it. Changed the music industry forever.

Speaker B
From noiser and airship, this is History daily. Hosted, edited, and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio Editing by Mohammad Shazib Sound Design by Molly Vaughn Music by Lindsey Graham this episode is written and researched by Reuben Abrams Brosby. Executive producers are Alexandra Curry Buchner for airship and Pascal Hughes for r.

Speaker E
When the matriarch of a prominent Princeton family is found stabbed to death in her locked basement, investigators look from a serial attacker to her family to Princeton University students. One hot blooded investigator sees a concern. Conspiracy. Is he way off base? Or does privilege let you get away with murder?

You can listen to in the shadow of Princeton, exclusively and ad free with wondery. Plus, join wondery in the wondery app or Apple podcasts.