On September 29, 1985, the Rainbow Warrior II, featuring anti-nuclear demonstrators, was present in Suva Harbour to protest the arrival of a French research vessel. The protest vessel was quickly named by members of the Fiji Anti-Nuclear Group (FANG) to oppose the French ship, the Jean Charcot, after Ports Authority of Fiji security restricted access to the wharf.
Security measures were stringent, preventing even individuals with official passes from boarding the wharf. Reports indicated that special branch police were visibly present while PAF security officers turned away numerous people.
A PAF security officer, Maikeli Rokovue, confirmed he had been instructed to deny entry to everyone. When four FANG members, led by Iliesa Duvuloco, attempted to protest on the wharf, they were also refused access. Undeterred, they hired a small launch, named the Rainbow Warrior II for the occasion, and successfully approached the Jean Charcot from the water.
The launch circled the Jean Charcot as the protesters chanted peace slogans and displayed placards stating “Stop Nuclear Testing in Pacific” and “Test in Paris.” Duvuloco voiced concerns over why a French vessel was permitted in Suva Harbour while Russian vessels were not allowed.