A Gaza-bound ship carrying humanitarian aid caught fire early Friday, prompting an emergency SOS after what its organisers claim was a drone strike. The incident occurred in international waters around 17 kilometres off Malta’s coast, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).
The vessel, named Conscience, was heading towards Malta to pick up more activists before continuing its journey to Gaza. FFC’s press officer, Yasemin Acar, told CNN there was a hole in the ship and that it was sinking. Video posted online by the group showed flames and smoke, with separate footage capturing two loud explosions.
Maltese authorities confirmed the fire and said it had been extinguished. A tugboat was sent to assist the Conscience, which had 12 crew and four civilian passengers onboard. All were reported safe, though they declined to board the tug. The Maltese government also helped with firefighting efforts.
FFC claimed the ship was targeted twice, alleging that generators on the vessel were hit. The group accused Israel of attacking the vessel and violating international law.
“Israeli ambassadors must be summoned and answer to violations of international law, including the ongoing blockade and the bombing of our civilian vessel in international waters,” FFC said in its statement.
The Conscience had departed Tunisia on Tuesday night and had been stationary off Malta for about 12 hours before the fire. Greta Thunberg and retired US Army Colonel Mary Ann Wright were expected to join the mission but were not onboard during the incident.
FFC said volunteers from 21 countries were involved in the mission, which was kept under media blackout to avoid sabotage. The goal was to deliver aid directly to Gaza, where over two million people face severe shortages after Israel imposed a full blockade in March, following the October 7 Hamas attacks.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition says on its website that it is an international group of pro-Palestinian activists aiming to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza through direct, non-violent action. The group focuses on delivering humanitarian aid to people living under siege in the coastal enclave.
The vessel, named Conscience, was heading towards Malta to pick up more activists before continuing its journey to Gaza. FFC’s press officer, Yasemin Acar, told CNN there was a hole in the ship and that it was sinking. Video posted online by the group showed flames and smoke, with separate footage capturing two loud explosions.
BREAKING: At 00:23 Maltese time, a #FreedomFlotilla ship was subjected to a drone attack. The front of the vessel was targeted twice, resulting in a fire and a breach in the hull. The ship is currently located in international waters near #Malta. An #SOS distress signal was sent. pic.twitter.com/J6oEQafuOb
— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) May 2, 2025
Maltese authorities confirmed the fire and said it had been extinguished. A tugboat was sent to assist the Conscience, which had 12 crew and four civilian passengers onboard. All were reported safe, though they declined to board the tug. The Maltese government also helped with firefighting efforts.
FFC claimed the ship was targeted twice, alleging that generators on the vessel were hit. The group accused Israel of attacking the vessel and violating international law.
“Israeli ambassadors must be summoned and answer to violations of international law, including the ongoing blockade and the bombing of our civilian vessel in international waters,” FFC said in its statement.
The Conscience had departed Tunisia on Tuesday night and had been stationary off Malta for about 12 hours before the fire. Greta Thunberg and retired US Army Colonel Mary Ann Wright were expected to join the mission but were not onboard during the incident.
FFC said volunteers from 21 countries were involved in the mission, which was kept under media blackout to avoid sabotage. The goal was to deliver aid directly to Gaza, where over two million people face severe shortages after Israel imposed a full blockade in March, following the October 7 Hamas attacks.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition says on its website that it is an international group of pro-Palestinian activists aiming to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza through direct, non-violent action. The group focuses on delivering humanitarian aid to people living under siege in the coastal enclave.
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