Drone Swarm Disrupts Humanitarian Aid Ship Near Malta

Drone silhouette against vibrant sunset sky

A humanitarian vessel carrying aid to blockaded Gaza was attacked by drones near Malta, with activists blaming Israel while Maltese rescue teams rushed to assist the damaged ship with all crew members reported safe.

Key Takeaways

The ship “Conscience” was reportedly attacked by armed drones in international waters near Malta, causing fire and hull damage
All 16 people aboard were confirmed safe according to Maltese authorities, though activists claim 30 were on the vessel
Israel has been blamed for the attack but has not commented on the allegations
Climate activist Greta Thunberg was scheduled to board the vessel in Malta before it continued toward Gaza

Attack in International Waters

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reports that their ship, Conscience, came under drone attack at 00:23 Maltese time while in international waters. The incident occurred as the vessel was transporting humanitarian aid toward Gaza as part of a mission to challenge Israel’s blockade. According to coalition statements, armed drones struck the front of the unarmed civilian vessel twice, causing a fire and significant hull damage.

The Maltese government confirmed receiving a mayday call from the vessel and dispatched rescue services to the scene. A nearby tug and Maltese patrol vessel responded to assist with firefighting operations. The strike reportedly targeted the boat’s generator, leaving it without power and at risk of sinking. Video and images released by the coalition showed explosions and a blaze aboard the ship.

Rescue Efforts and Safety of Personnel

Maltese authorities reported that all 12 crew members and four civilians aboard the vessel were safe, with no casualties reported. However, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition claimed approximately 30 people were on board, creating discrepancies in the official count. Despite the damage to the vessel, those aboard initially chose to remain with the compromised ship as rescue services arrived.

Cypriot authorities confirmed the vessel sustained significant damage. The mission had been organized under a media blackout to avoid potential sabotage, according to coalition representatives. The ship had departed from Tunisia and was heading to Malta to pick up additional activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, before continuing to Gaza.

Mission Background and Implications

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has organized several missions attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which restricts the flow of food, fuel, and medicine into the territory. A previous mission in 2010 ended tragically when Israeli forces stormed the Mavi Marmara, resulting in the deaths of 10 activists. Other attempts have been intercepted without loss of life.

“I was part of the group who was supposed to board that boat today to continue the voyage towards Gaza, which is one of many attempts to open up a humanitarian corridor and to do our part to keep trying to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza,” said climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The mission comes amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response. Humanitarian organizations in Gaza report critical shortages of food, medicine, and supplies. The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned of chaos without immediate aid deliveries, while medical workers in Gaza are prioritizing serious cases due to limited resources.

International Response

The attack on a humanitarian vessel in international waters has drawn international attention to the ongoing blockade of Gaza. Israel has imposed restrictions on aid entering Gaza, claiming Hamas diverts humanitarian assistance, while aid officials in Gaza dispute claims of widespread theft. The United Nations has deployed a team to assess malnutrition and famine risk in the territory.

Volunteers from over 21 countries were reportedly involved in the Freedom Flotilla mission. This latest incident highlights the challenges facing humanitarian efforts to deliver aid to Gaza amid the complex geopolitical tensions in the region. With the vessel now damaged and unable to continue its mission, questions remain about future attempts to deliver humanitarian assistance via sea routes.