Gaza aid ship catches fire in alleged drone strike off Malta

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship, Conscience, was struck last week by drones in international waters just off the coast of Malta, issuing an SOS distress signal immediately following the attack.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which is campaigning to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza, said volunteers from over 21 countries travelled to Malta to board the mission to Gaza, carrying humanitarian aid when the alleged attack happened at 00:23 Maltese time.

Israeli authorities didn’t comment on the alleged attack and there were no claims of responsibility issued, whilst the Freedom Flotilla Coalition didn’t provide yet any evidence for the allegation.

The group claims that on board were international human rights activists on a nonviolent humanitarian mission “to deliver desperately needed, life-saving aid.”

“Armed drones attacked the front of an unarmed civilian vessel twice, causing a fire and a substantial breach in the hull. The drone strike appears to have deliberately targeted the ship’s generator, leaving the crew without power and placing the vessel at great risk of sinking,” it added.

The group demanded Malta to immediately respond to its obligation and ensure the safety of all on board the vessel.

From its side, the Maltese government said in its press release on May 2 that it responded to a distress call from the vessel and offered immediate support.

It said all crew members were safe, while making no mention of an alleged attack. Malta also confirmed there was a fire on the ship that was later extinguished.

A photo released by the Maltese government appeared to show a fire burning on a ship, as well as smoke. Video also shared by the group on its X account showed what it said was a fire on the vessel.

“At 0020hrs (local time), Malta Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) received a Mayday call from the passenger vessel Conscience, reporting a fire on the bow while outside territorial waters. The vessel had 12 crew members on board and 4 civilian passengers; no casualties were reported. The crew confirmed the fire was not under control and requested immediate assistance,” reads Malta’s government statement.

Following the distress call, a nearby tug arrived on scene and began firefighting operations.

“At 0021hrs, a nearby tug located approximately 1 nautical mile away contacted Malta VTS, confirmed it was firefighting-equipped, and offered immediate support,” the Maltese statement said.

“By 0128hrs, the fire was reported under control. An Armed Forces of Malta patrol vessel was also dispatched to provide further assistance. By 0213hrs, all crew were confirmed safe but refused to board the tug. Assistance was provided to support interior firefighting efforts. By 0345hrs, the vessel and its crew were secure,” it added.

The government also said on Friday that the “ship remains outside territorial waters and being monitored by the competent authorities.”

In a new update on Saturday, May 3 the Maltese government added: “The Maltese authorities have provided assistance from the outset in relation to the situation aboard the unflagged vessel ‘Conscience’. Malta offered immediate assistance with fire-fighting measures when the vessel issued an emergency call, and an AFM patrol boat was also deployed to assist the vessel and crew.”

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) mentioned on May 4 that it “received a very welcome update from the government of Malta, with a stated intent to provide logistical supports and potential repairs to our ship, the ‘Conscience’. We would like to reiterate our intent to be let into Malta, with the guarantee that our peaceful action to sail to Gaza will not be hindered in any way.”