Courtesy of Louise Michel
The controversial British street artist Banksy has purchased a former French Navy vessel, painted it pink, and sent it to the Mediterranean to save the lives of migrants and refugees crossing from North Africa to Europe.
The 99-foot ship, named Louise Michel for a French anarchist, was bought with proceeds from the artist’s artwork. The boat can travel at 28 knots and is "as agile as she is pink," according to its website.
The Louise Michel project says it aims to "uphold maritime law and rescue anyone in peril without prejudice." Through his provocative artwork Banksy often explores social issues like war, political corruption and the refugee crisis.
The boat set sail on August 18 and on its first mission helped rescue 89 people. Over the weekend it rescued another 250 people.
