A SCOTTISH activist taking part in an historic humanitarian mission to Gaza has spoken out after a second boat was struck in a "drone attack".
The Global Sumud Flotilla – the largest civilian mission of its kind – is currently in Tunisia, where activists are preparing to set sail on the final leg of their journey to Gaza.
Made up of dozens of boats from more than 44 countries, the Sumud mission hopes to break Israel's blockade on Gaza and deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to the enclave.
Overnight on Tuesday, organisers said one of the flotilla's boats had been attacked "by a drone" at Tunisia's Sidi Bou Said Port.
Video footage shared on social media showed the British-flagged Alma vessel sustained fire damage on the top deck, as organisers said it indicated a drone attack.
There were nine crew members onboard the Alma at the time, with all of them reported safe.
The National previously spoke with Tadhg Hickey, an Irish comedian who is one of those sailing on the Alma, who said on Wednesday morning that the ship's crew had stayed onboard overnight while forensics teams investigated.
It is the second such reported strike in two days, after the Family vessel –which was carrying several members of previous flotilla missions, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg – was allegedly struck by a drone in the early hours of Tuesday.
Tunisia's authorities said reports that the Portugese-flagged vessel was struck by a drone had "no basis in truth", claiming a fire broke out on the ship itself.
Footage appeared to show an airborne strike – but Tunisia's National Guard attributed the incident to a discarded cigarette it said ignited a pile of life jackets.
Tunisian officials have yet to comment on the alleged attack on the Alma.
Activists have spoken out after the attack, as James Hickey, a 52-year-old removals driver from Glasgow and part of the flotilla's UK delegation, said their "spirit remains strong and free".
As of yet, there is no official confirmation that Israel is responsible for the fires.
Hickey told The National: "We smell the fear, in every false accusation. In every poisonous, regurgitation of IOF [Israeli Occupation Force] propaganda, and in every single reckless attempt to destroy life and silence resistance.
"Their cowardly attempts to control the narrative and destroy humanity, fill our hearts with courage and our sails with the winds of change.
He added: "A people united, can never be defeated. Our spirit remains strong and free."
The Global Sumud Flotilla is expected to start departing Tunisia later on Wednesday afternoon.
