Fernando Pereira facts for kids

Fernando Pereira (born May 10, 1950 – died July 10, 1985) was a photographer from Portugal and the Netherlands. He worked independently, taking pictures for different news and media groups. Fernando tragically died when a French spy agency, known as the DGSE, bombed and sank a ship called the Rainbow Warrior. This ship belonged to Greenpeace, an environmental group.

The bombing happened on July 10, 1985. The plan was to damage the ship so badly that it couldn't be fixed. A first, smaller bomb exploded, bending the ship's propeller shaft. Fernando was still inside the boat, trying to get his camera and other gear. Then, a second, much stronger bomb went off. This explosion caused a huge amount of water to rush into the ship, and Fernando drowned.

The Attack on the Rainbow Warrior

The Rainbow Warrior was leading a group of smaller boats. They were all protesting against France's nuclear testing in the Pacific Ocean. These tests were happening at a place called Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia. The ship was about to leave Auckland, New Zealand. Its goal was to sail to international waters near the testing site and hold peaceful protests.

Why the Rainbow Warrior Was Attacked

The French government wanted to stop Greenpeace's protests. They believed the protests would interfere with their nuclear tests. So, they sent secret agents to stop the Rainbow Warrior from reaching the testing area. Their plan was to sink the ship while it was docked in Auckland.

What Happened to Fernando

Fernando Pereira was a brave photographer. He was on board the Rainbow Warrior to document the protests. When the first bomb exploded, he went back into the ship to save his valuable camera equipment. He wanted to make sure he could keep taking pictures to show the world what was happening. Sadly, the second, larger explosion happened while he was still inside. The ship quickly filled with water, and he could not escape.

What Happened After the Attack

Years after the bombing, more information came out about what happened.

Who Was Responsible?

On the 20th anniversary of the sinking, it was revealed that the French president at the time, François Mitterrand, had personally approved the bombing. A high-ranking French admiral, Pierre Lacoste, also said that Fernando Pereira's death weighed heavily on his mind. This meant he felt very sad and regretful about what happened.

In 2006, a man named Antoine Royal shared an important detail. He said that his brother, Gérard Royal, who used to work for French intelligence, was the agent who placed the bombs on the Rainbow Warrior. These revelations helped to explain who was truly behind the attack.

Photographs by Pereira

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  ABBA (1979)

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  Charlotte Rhodes (1979)

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  Luigi Nono (1979)

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  Boutros Boutros-Ghali (1980)

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  Anti-nuclear protests (1980)