A HUMANITARIAN coalition delivering aid to Gaza has claimed its ship came under direct attack in international waters just outside Malta.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which includes one woman from Scotland, posted on social media a video of a fire on the ship with 30 people on board, claiming that it has been attacked by a drone twice.
The group say the drone strike appears to have deliberately targeted the ship’s generator.
The ship is understood to have issued a distress SOS signal but the organisation claimed Malta did not respond. There were 12 crew members and four mission participants on board the Conscience when it was hit.
The Maltese Government has told media it did receive a mayday call and a tug boat attended to assist.
A group of international representatives and media were due to be on the ship this morning with several high-profile figures including activist Greta Thunberg.
There are 21 different nationalities represented by around 35 people in the group, including lawyers from South Africa.
The coalition has suggested the attack was perpetrated by an Israeli military drone, although this is unconfirmed.
In a post to social media, the organisation said: "At 00:23 Maltese time, a Freedom Flotilla 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.
"The Maltese government has not yet responded to the SOS signal from this civilian humanitarian vessel. Under international maritime law, Malta has an obligation to act and ensure the safety of a civilian ship in distress within its proximity."
BREAKING: 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. pic.twitter.com/J6oEQafuOb
— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) May 2, 2025
The Maltese Government said the crew reported "the fire was not under control and requested immediate assistance" at 00:20 local time, and a nearby tug boat contacted Malta Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) to "offer immediate support to the vessel".
The boat then arrived on the scene and assisted in firefighting operations, according to the Government.
The Malta Government added: "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."
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Rome has advised the group that a tugboat has been sent out and is on the scene, while a a vessel from Southern Cyprus was dispatched.
Dr Yvonne Ridley (above), the only member of the flotilla group from Scotland, told The National she was "shocked but safe" with the rest of the international group in Malta.
"Israel has brought terror to the heart of Europe by attacking our boat. Mercifully the internationalists were not on board but a dedicated crew was. Mercifully we don’t think they’re injured," she said.
Ridley, a journalist and Alba Party activist said the group will now inspect the boat "but it will take a lot more than a drone strike to stop our work".
She added: "Not one loaf of bread or bottle of water has entered Gaza in the last 58 days. Children are starving and we will not stop in our work. The flotilla will sail on".
Alba leader Kenny MacAskill responded to the alleged attack, commended Ridley for her activism and condemned Israel for the alleged attack on a civilian ship.
He said: "This attack upon a civilian ship shows the relentless attacks by Israel upon any and all attempts whether to provide aid or conduct investigations into their actions.
"Israel is seeking to stop scrutiny let alone exposure of their crimes.
"Scotland should be proud of Yvonne and her colleagues seeking to help Palestine and expose Israel. It cannot be easy for them and it’s dangerous times.
"But the world cannot be silent and Yvonne is speaking out bravely in the face of great danger."
The IDF has been approached for comment.
