Explosions Target Aid Ship on Route to Gaza, Crew Safe After Fire Outbreak

A ship providing crucial aid to Gaza experienced multiple explosions, leading to a significant fire on board, though the crew managed to remain unharmed.

A humanitarian vessel named “Conscience,” operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was en route to Gaza when it faced explosions off the coast of Malta early Friday morning. The attack, reportedly blamed on a drone strike, ignited a fire on the ship, though all 16 crew members aboard were said to be safe after a tugboat responded to extinguish the flames following a mayday alert. The Maltese government confirmed the crew's safety while indicating that the cause of the fire remains unknown.

The ship left Tunisia earlier that week loaded with humanitarian supplies and human rights advocates, including prominent environmentalist Greta Thunberg expected to join in Malta before proceeding to Gaza. However, the explosions damaged the vessel, raising questions about its ability to dock in Malta and the legality of the situation given that the ship was in international waters.

The source of the attack is still under investigation, creating further uncertainty amid the already volatile geopolitical climate in the region. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition's spokeswoman, Yasemin Acar, expressed grave concerns over the attack, underlining the significant risks faced by those aboard humanitarian missions in conflict areas. The ship's fate, alongside its mission to deliver vital support to Gaza, remains precarious as authorities continue to monitor the situation.