A ship carrying 30 human rights activists from 21 countries was attacked in the early hours of Friday May 2nd. The vessel came under fire from several armed drones while it was in international waters, some 70 miles from the Maltese coast. It is believed several prominent figures are on board.
The ship, named The Conscience, is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), and was on its way to Ghazzah to deliver lifesaving aid. It set sail from Malta after picking the volunteers. Armed drones launched at least two missiles under the cover of darkness destroying the boats generator and breaching its hull. A distress message was immediately broadcast but initially no rescue boats responded, and according to the FFC, reports of a Cypriot vessel being dispatched to offer help were false. Since then, the Maltese government issued a photo of their tug putting out the fire at sea, and have said the passengers “are safe”, but have not confirmed the ship was evacuated.
With drones remaining in the area, the crew and volunteers have been forced to shelter below deck. Yasemin Acar, FFC spokesperson said those on board “are not getting into the lifeboats because they are afraid of getting attacked in open waters. Nor do they feel safe the deck on the ship, so they are hiding inside. They have no option of evacuating themselves.”
She confirmed she is contact with the ship. It remains stranded and is in danger of sinking. It is thought activists are still on board and concerned about further attacks, but the tug has left the scene.
In May 2010 Israeli commandos stormed the humanitarian aid vessel Mavi Marmara, which was heading for Ghazza, killing nine peace activists.
FULL UPDATE HERE
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©Sul Nowroz – Real Media staff writer Insta: @theafghanwriter
