
A Gaza-bound ‘Freedom Flotilla’ aid vessel caught fire and sent out an SOS after reportedly coming under drone attack in international waters off the coast of Malta, with the group alleging that they were attacked by Israel.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which seeks to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza, revealed to several reporters that 30 people were on board the ship carrying humanitarian aid when the alleged incident occurred shortly after midnight local time on Friday.
In a statement, the Maltese Government stated that at 00:20 AM the Malta Vessel Traffic Services received a ‘Mayday’ call from the passenger vessel Conscience, reporting a fire on the bow while outside territorial waters.
The Government also revealed that a nearby tug with firefighting equipment located approximately 1 nautical mile away contacted Malta VTS and offered immediate support and that by 01:28 AM the fire was reported to be all under control.
By 02:15 AM all the crew on the ship were reported to be safe, however refused to board the tug whilst assistance was provided to continue on supporting interior firefighting efforts.
By 03:45 hrs, the vessel and its crew were confirmed safe.
The Government confirmed that the ship remains in international waters and is under observation by the relevant authorities.
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