An aid ship, the Conscience, carrying 16 individuals and humanitarian supplies to Gaza, faces an explosion incident while en route to Malta.
Explosions Target Aid Ship Heading to Gaza Off Malta's Coast
Explosions Target Aid Ship Heading to Gaza Off Malta's Coast
Humanitarian vessel suffers serious damage; crew remains safe after fire extinguished.
The ship, which operates under the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was hit by explosions early Friday morning, igniting a fire on board and creating an urgent situation off the coast of Malta. Thankfully, all crew members were reported safe after a nearby tugboat managed to combat the flames following a mayday call, as confirmed by the Maltese government. The authorities are currently monitoring the vessel, which found itself in international waters when the explosion occurred.
The Conscience had departed from Tunisia earlier in the week with several human rights activists on board and was scheduled to make a pit stop in Malta to take on roughly 40 additional passengers, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg. As of Friday morning, there was uncertainty regarding whether the damaged ship would be permitted to dock in Malta. The exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined, and officials have yet to establish if there was a deliberate attack on the vessel.
The Conscience had departed from Tunisia earlier in the week with several human rights activists on board and was scheduled to make a pit stop in Malta to take on roughly 40 additional passengers, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg. As of Friday morning, there was uncertainty regarding whether the damaged ship would be permitted to dock in Malta. The exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined, and officials have yet to establish if there was a deliberate attack on the vessel.
