A ship carrying humanitarian aid and activists to Gaza was allegedly hit by drones off the coast of Malta on Friday.
Around 12 crew members and four civilians were on board. However, no casualties were reported, reported news agencies quoting a statement by Codepink, a grassroots peace and social justice movement.
The vessel, which belongs to the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, was trying to get food and supplies to people in Gaza, said the statement.
“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,” said Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international non-governmental group, in a post on X.
It also published video footage showing a fire on one of its ships, and pointed the finger at Israel.
"Israeli ambassadors must be summoned and answer to violations of international law, including the ongoing blockade (of Gaza) and the bombing of our civilian vessel in international waters," it said.
The Maltese government said maritime authorities had received a mayday call from a vessel reporting a fire shortly after midnight local time.
The vessel was outside territorial waters and had 12 crew members and four civilians on board, reported Reuters quoting the government.
"The tug arrived on scene and began firefighting operations. By 1:28 a.m. (2328 GMT Thursday), the fire was reported under control. An Armed Forces of Malta patrol vessel was also dispatched to provide further assistance. By 2:13 a.m., all crew were confirmed safe but refused to board the tug," the Maltese government said in a statement.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Charlie Andreasson, who has been involved in the organization for more than a decade, told that he had spoken to people on board who said there were two explosions and a fire broke out.
While the people on board were safe, he said there was a risk that the boat could sink as the generator was hit and the boat was immobile.
