- Explosion hits aid vessel off Malta, fire breaks out at sea.
- All crew and passengers are safe after the mayday and firefighting response.
- Cause of blast unknown, group alleges possible drone strike.
A ship carrying humanitarian aid and 16 individuals was shaken by explosions before dawn Friday in international waters near Malta. The explosions led to a blaze that badly damaged the ship and put it in danger of sinking, said a human rights organisation that was running the trip, reports The New York Times.
Fire Contained After Mayday Call
After a mayday alert, a tugboat nearby came to assist and assisted in putting out the fire. The Maltese government confirmed that the ship and crew were safe. Authorities, however, did not reveal the cause of the fire and only said that the incident was under investigation.
Vessel En Route to Gaza
The ship had left Tunisia earlier in the week, taking aid and human rights activists to protest the blockade of Gaza by sea. Before going to the Palestinian territory, it was to make a stop in Malta to board about 40 additional passengers, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
Unconfirmed Claims of Drone Strike
While the cause of the explosion is as yet undetermined, the team running the mission indicated an Israeli drone attack, although it could not provide concrete evidence. “Attacking international human rights activists in international waters is a war crime,” said Yasemin Acar, a spokeswoman for the group. Two independent experts consulted by The Times reviewed images of the vessel’s damage but could not definitively confirm the use of a drone
Accounts from the Crew
From accounts of those on board, armed drones attacked the boat at approximately 12:20 a.m. local time, producing a fire at the bow, a hull breach, and generator damage, leaving the boat without electricity. A video posted by the group depicts flames on the deck and alarms blaring, while subsequent footage shows individuals checking the damage and trying to put out the fire.
Response of Maltese Authorities
Maltese authorities certified that they received the distress message at the time of the alleged incident and certified a fire at the bow of the ship. There were no casualties. By 1:30 a.m., the fire had been contained by firefighters, and the crew was certified safe shortly after.
Crew Stays Onboard to Moor the Ship
Although severely damaged, the crew opted not to leave the ship but to stay onboard instead. Ann Wright, another representative of the group, declared they wished to track the ship and keep the site intact for examination.
Request for Forensic Testing
The group asked the crew to gather debris from the blast for forensic testing in a bid to establish if weapons were employed. “It was not clear who was responsible for the explosions,” Wright said. The Israeli military has not responded to requests for comment.
Historical Background of Previous Events
The incident brings to mind previous standoffs between seaborne humanitarian missions to Gaza. In 2010, an Israeli army raid on yet another aid flotilla was responsible for nine activist deaths and prompted global outcry.
Ongoing Blockade and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since early March, deliveries of aid into Gaza have been severely curtailed since the breakdown of a cease-fire. Israeli leaders claim the moves are intended to put pressure on Hamas to release hostages, as humanitarian groups state the blockade threatens civilians.
Call for International Condemnation
The organisation organising the mission called on governments to condemn the act and investigate what it termed an illegal attack against civilians. “Attacking international human rights activists in international waters is a war crime,” reiterated Ms. Acar.
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Source: The New York Times
