A ship carrying 30 international activists and humanitarian supplies en route to the Gaza Strip was reportedly struck by a drone overnight in international waters near Malta, according to organizers of the self-styled “Freedom Flotilla.”
The vessel issued an SOS distress signal after allegedly sustaining heavy damage and taking on water.
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
Organizer Claims: “Hole in the Ship – It’s Sinking”
Yasmin Asar, spokesperson for the flotilla, told CNN that the vessel suffered two direct hits, allegedly targeting the forward generators. “There’s a hole in the hull. The ship is sinking,” she said. The ship departed Tunisia on Tuesday, headed toward Malta, in what activists called a “nonviolent mission” to challenge Israel’s maritime security policies around Gaza.
Asar claimed that southern Cyprus dispatched a rescue ship, though contact with the vessel was lost shortly after the strike.
No Immediate Attribution; Speculation Mounts
Footage released by the flotilla’s organizers shows the ship engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke and loud explosions. While no entity has claimed responsibility, several Arab media outlets have speculated—without evidence—that Israel was involved.
As of publication, neither Israel nor the Maltese government has issued a statement regarding the reported attack.
Background: The “Freedom Flotilla” Network
The “Freedom Flotilla” is an initiative of pro-Palestinian activists aiming to bypass Israel’s maritime controls around Gaza. Israel maintains that such measures are necessary for security reasons, to prevent arms smuggling to Hamas and other terror groups.
Though the flotilla brands itself as “nonviolent,” previous missions have drawn scrutiny for attempted violations of Israel’s lawful naval blockade, which has been deemed legal under international law by the UN Palmer Report (2011).
