The Freedom Flotilla Coalition posted video of what it said was a fire on its vessel.
A vessel carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has reportedly come under drone attack Gaza Aid ship in international waters. The ship, part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, sent out a distress signal early Friday after catching fire off Malta’s coast.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a global pro-Palestinian network, confirmed the incident. They claim the ship, carrying 30 activists, was targeted just after midnight local time.
Alarming Fire and SOS Call as Gaza Aid Ship Got Hit
The coalition’s press officer, Yasemin Acar, told CNN that the vessel sustained serious damage.
“There’s a hole in the ship. It’s sinking,” she stated via phone from Malta. An SOS signal was immediately sent to surrounding nations, including Malta and Cyprus. A small boat from southern Cyprus reportedly headed to assist the stricken vessel.
Smoke, Explosions, and Unverified Footage
Footage posted on the coalition’s official X (formerly Twitter) account shows flames and thick smoke engulfing the ship. Loud explosions are also heard in one clip. CNN has not yet confirmed the authenticity of the videos. Acar added that the ship was approximately 17 kilometers off Malta’s coast at the time of the incident. She said the attack appeared to target the ship's front generators.
Communications Severed with Sinking Vessel
“The boat is not receiving the electricity it needs. We cannot contact it now,” said Acar. She expressed deep concern for the 30 human rights activists still on board.
According to her, the vessel came under attack twice. However, the coalition has not accused any specific country or group of carrying out the strike.
Who Is Behind the Flotilla?
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is known for organizing aid missions to Gaza. It opposes the Israeli blockade of the enclave and aims to deliver humanitarian support through peaceful means.
On its website, the coalition defines its mission as direct, non-violent action to challenge the blockade and bring aid to Gaza's people.
Tracking the Vessel’s Movement
Maritime traffic trackers list the affected ship as Conscience, flying the flag of Palau. As of Friday morning, the vessel was still shown off the eastern coast of Malta.
The latest attack raises fresh concerns about the safety of civilian-led humanitarian missions in disputed regions. It also highlights the growing risks faced by activists attempting to break the Gaza blockade.
A Growing Crisis at Sea
This alarming incident has prompted renewed calls for international oversight and support for humanitarian missions.
Acar emphasized the urgency of the situation: “Thirty lives are in danger right now. This is a ship full of peaceful activists, not a warship.” The coalition is urging authorities and humanitarian organizations to intervene quickly.
As efforts to reach the vessel continue, the world waits for answers and rescue updates. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains at the heart of the mission—now shadowed by this disturbing event at sea.
