Colour attack on "Lady M": Trial against climate activists postponed

With their action, the climate activists wanted to draw attention to the above-average emissions caused by the super-rich. They had previously carried out paint attacks on a private jet, a hotel bar and a golf course on Sylt.

The motor yacht "Lady M" was boarded by six activists in the early hours of 20 June 2023. They then spread orange paint all over the windows and hull and rolled out banners. Among other things, they read: "Your luxury = our crop failures". Four other activists filmed the action from a rubber dinghy.

The harbour water was also dyed green - with a biodegradable dye. The police ended the action after a short time. However, because some of the activists had stuck themselves to the ship, parts of the railing had to be dismantled. A total of eight people were charged with trespassing, damage to property and water pollution.

"Lady M": 32 metres, 29,000 litres of fuel

The "Lady M" was built in 1994 by Moonen in the Netherlands. She is 32.1 metres long, 7.32 metres wide and has a draught of 1.70 metres. There is room for six guests and four crew members on board. The ship is made of aluminium and has two engines for a top speed of up to 30 knots. The tank holds 29,000 litres of fuel.

The public prosecutor's office last estimated the damage caused by the paint attack at 250,000 euros. The defence did not agree with this and requested that the trial be cancelled. The court agreed to this, but has not yet set a new date.

A spokesperson for the "Last Generation" subsequently defended the action: "We go where the destruction is particularly fuelled," he said two years ago shortly after the colour attack. The protest was more understandable on Sylt or on a yacht than on the motorway.