The Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior was in Auckland Harbour, New Zealand, preparing for an anti-nuclear protest when it was attacked by agents from the French Directorate General for External Security (DGSE). The operation, named 'Satanique', aimed to thwart Greenpeace's efforts to disrupt French nuclear testing in the Pacific. On the evening of July 10, 1985, two explosions ripped through the ship, effectively sinking it. The bombings killed Fernando Pereira, a Dutch photographer who was trapped below deck. Other crew members narrowly escaped with their lives amidst the chaos.

Following the attack, New Zealand authorities began an investigation into the bombing, which garnered significant media attention. Shipwreckage and evidence pointed towards state-sponsored terrorism, leading to widespread condemnation of France's actions. The event strained French-New Zealand relations and prompted New Zealand to express its commitment to nuclear-free policies more vehemently. On the international stage, the incident showcased Greenpeace's role as an influential environmental organization while also revealing the potential for governmental overreach in suppressing dissent.

The incident culminated in a joint venture between New Zealand and Greenpeace to salvage the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior. The ship's remains were preserved and later put on display as a testament to environmental activism and political resistance. This episode marked a significant turning point in the global discourse surrounding environmental issues and national sovereignty, reinforcing Greenpeace's mission in the global environmental movement.