On September 29, 1985, the Rainbow Warrior II, a protest launch with anti-nuclear demonstrators, was in Suva Harbour opposing the arrival of the French research vessel, Jean Charcot. Members of the Fiji Anti-Nuclear Group (FANG), facing restrictions from the Ports Authority of Fiji (PAF), quickly launched the Rainbow Warrior II after being barred from the wharf.
Security measures were stringent, with even those holding official passes denied access to the wharf. Officers from special branch police were present nearby as PAF security enforced these restrictions. A reporter, despite having an official press pass, was also prevented from entering.
PAF security officer Maikeli Rokovue stated he had been instructed to deny entry to everyone. When four FANG members, led by Iliesa Duvuloco, attempted to protest on the wharf, they too were turned away. Undeterred, they hired a small launch, the Rainbow Warrior II, and accessed the Jean Charcot from the water.
The group circled the French ship, chanting peace slogans and displaying placards that read “Stop Nuclear Testing in Pacific” and “Test in Paris.” Duvuloco expressed his group’s concerns about why a French vessel was permitted in Suva Harbour while Russian vessels were not allowed.