In an audacious act of protest, two climate activists were apprehended after defacing Nancy Walton Laurie’s opulent superyacht, Kaos, by drenching it in red and black paint. The incident occurred early on Sunday morning while the 360-foot vessel was docked in Ibiza.
Captured footage depicts the eco-conscious individuals approaching the Kaos, armed with fire extinguishers and cans of spray paint. As ship personnel rush to mitigate the damage with water, the activists defiantly display a sign proclaiming, “You Consume, Others Suffer.”
This act is part of a series of attention-grabbing demonstrations orchestrated by eco-activists throughout the summer, ranging from disrupting major events to vandalizing private property, such as a private jet in Ibiza just days prior.
A crew member from a neighboring yacht criticized the sluggish response of port security and estimated that the damage inflicted on Kaos would likely cost its billionaire owner millions. He expressed his frustration, stating, “If Kaos had departed a mere ten minutes earlier, it could have been our vessel.”
Futuro Vegetal, a collective advocating civil disobedience and direct action against the climate crisis, later claimed responsibility for the incident on social media. Their message emphasized that the ultra-wealthy thrive on the suffering of others.
Kaos, registered under the Jamaican flag, is owned by Nancy Walton Laurie, daughter of Walmart co-founder James ‘Bud’ Walton. The superyacht, built in the Netherlands in 2017 and previously named ‘Jubilee,’ underwent a lavish refitting by British designer Reymond Langton in 2020.
The four-decked Kaos boasts accommodations for up to 31 guests in 16 cabins, along with a crew of 45 in 24 cabins. It features luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, dining area, cinema, sauna, gym, spa facilities, and an indoor beach club. Additional highlights comprise a helipad, hot tub, and space for smaller boats and various water toys.
Oceanco, the renowned shipbuilder responsible for Kaos, has also constructed Jeff Bezos’ colossal superyacht, valued at £400 million.
This act of vandalism follows another incident where activists targeted a private jet in Ibiza. Footage showed a member of the group covering the aircraft in paint and attaching himself to the fuselage in a symbolic protest against an uncertain future.
The urgency of climate activism was underscored by a viral video from Germany, showing activists obstructing traffic and engaging in a tense encounter with a truck driver promoting “energy transition.” The confrontation resulted in a protester being dragged along the road before the driver ultimately relented.
As climate activists continue to amplify their message, their confrontations with the symbols of wealth and environmental irresponsibility serve as reminders of the urgency to address the climate crisis and promote sustainable practices.