06/12/2026
Eleven-year-old Raphael de Fages de Latour has gained international attention for his remarkable effort to remove pollution from the Seine River using a magnetic fishing rod. Verified reports from multiple news and environmental publications confirmed that Raphael has spent nearly every weekend for the past two years cleaning debris from the famous river alongside his father, Alexandre de Fages de Latour. Together, they use powerful industrial magnets attached to ropes to pull metal waste from the water, recovering an estimated seven tons of debris. Their discoveries range from discarded smartphones and bicycles to electric scooters, scrap metal, and even motorcycles. The cleanup project began as a hobby but quickly evolved into a larger environmental mission aimed at raising awareness about pollution in urban waterways.
One of Raphael’s most extraordinary discoveries was a 360-pound Yamaha motorcycle submerged deep within the riverbed. According to reports, removing the motorcycle required assistance from several adults because of its weight and difficult positioning underwater. The pair’s cleanup work highlights the scale of hidden pollution that accumulates in rivers flowing through major cities. Environmental experts have noted that metallic waste left underwater can release harmful substances into ecosystems over time, affecting water quality and aquatic life. By removing these objects manually, Raphael and his father are helping reduce environmental contamination while also drawing public attention to the importance of protecting natural waterways.
The Seine River stretches roughly 450 miles through France and remains one of the country’s most iconic waterways, making the cleanup effort especially symbolic. Raphael has repeatedly said that his goal is to inspire other people, especially young generations, to take action against pollution rather than waiting for governments or organizations to solve environmental problems alone. Sustainability advocates praised his dedication as an example of how individual action can create meaningful environmental impact. His story has become a powerful reminder that environmental protection can begin with small but consistent efforts carried out by ordinary people determined to make a difference.
