Banksy: The Street Artist's Rescue Boat

Colored in pink (the same as the neon pink flare held by the little girl painted by Banksy in Venice), it is named Louise Michel, a French anarchist of the 19th century. It is the boat painted by Banksy, engaged in saving the lives of migrants who every day attempt the crossing of the Mediterranean.

The colorful ship had already been seen in the Spanish port of Burriana, arousing the suspicion that the hand of the street artist from Bristol decorated it. And after a few days the confirmation arrived. The street artist claimed on his official Instagram profile to have "bought a yacht", but “converted into a lifeboat” for all those migrants who risk their lives every day trying to cross the Mediterranean.

On board a small international team of about ten people. They are all professionals in the maritime and rescue sector, captained by the German Pia Klemp, already known for having led several other rescue boats.

Banksy Rescue Boat - DetailIn addition to the shocking pink paint and the name of the vessel, the Louise Michel features the word "RESCUE" on the sides (which leaves no doubt about the intent) and a reproduction of the work by Banksy, Balloon Girl, who now wears a life jacket and tries to grab a pink heart-shaped lifebuoy.

And this is not the first time the street artist deals with the delicate theme of immigration. Recently, a work dedicated to lives lost in the Mediterranean, the triptych by Banksy Mediterranean Street View, caused a sensation reaching the amount of 2.2 million pounds, donated to charity at the will of the street artist.