Freedom Flotilla Ship Attacked by Drone Near Maltese Waters

A vessel from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, was reportedly attacked by a drone early Friday morning just outside Maltese territorial waters.

The incident occurred at approximately 00:23 local time, resulting in a fire and a breach in the hull.

The ship, named Conscience, was located about 14 nautical miles off the coast of Malta when it was struck. The drone attack appears to have specifically targeted the ship’s generator, putting the vessel at risk of sinking with 30 international human rights activists on board.

An SOS distress signal was sent out following the attack. Cyprus responded by dispatching a vessel, while the Armed Forces of Malta also sent a patrol boat to assist in extinguishing the fire.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has suggested that the attack was perpetrated by an Israeli military drone, although this claim has not been independently verified.

The vessel was en route to Gaza as part of a mission to deliver humanitarian aid and highlight the ongoing blockade. The situation remains under investigation, and no injuries have been reported at this time.