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The Rainbow Warrior Incident in New Zealand 1985

[November 4, 1985] French agents sank the Greenpeace vessel in New Zealand. The Rainbow Warrior, owned and operated by the international ecology organization Greenpeace, was sunk in Auckland harbor by explosives planted on the vessel's hull. A photographer was killed in the attack, but most of the vessel's crew was ashore at the time and escaped injury. Revelation that the sabotage had been executed by French agents sparked a furor; Rainbow Warrior had previously attempted to block French nuclear tests in the Pacific. Although others planted the charge, a New Zealand court convicted Major Alain Mafart and Captain Dominique Prieur of manslaughter, since they had directed the effort.

Last Update: December 16, 2000

Armed Conflict Events Database

Armed Conflict Events Data (ACED) is an research project providing independent information about known wars, international disputes, civil wars, rebellions, coups, revolutions, genocides and other violent conflicts. ACED has been online since December 2000. Various partial revisions and modifications have been implemented since then, however, the limitations of the this format hamper further development. During 2005, the decision was made to radically restructure the available conflict information into a database. The new Armed Conflict Events Database (ACEDb) will substantially increase the utility of available conflict data for students of military history. As well, it will offer expanded opportunities to add and edit records of conflict. Existing research material will be maintained in its present form but no revisions are planned. More news about the development of ACEDb may be found at News About the Armed Conflict Events Database. Feedback is welcome.