The Ship That Underwent A Mission To Gaza Attacked By Drones, Freedom Flotilla Coalition Asks Israel To End Support

JAKARTA - The Freedom Flotilla Coalition international non-governmental organization group called for support for Israel's end after the ship carrying out its humanitarian mission suffered a direct drone strike in international waters, off the coast of Malta on Friday morning.

In the upload on its website, the NGO said that the ship called Conscience was originally on a mission to bring humanitarian aid and volunteers from various countries to the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

"At 00:3 p.m. Malta, Conscience, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship was attacked directly in international waters. Freedom Flotilla Coalition has organized peaceful demonstrations under media surveillance to avoid potential sabotage. Volunteers from more than 21 countries traveled to Malta to board a mission to Gaza, including prominent figures," the organization said on its website as quoted Friday, May 2.

Furthermore, it said, armed drones attacked the front of the ship twice, causing fire and a major leak in the hull. The latest communication in the early hours of May 2, shows drones still circled the ship.

The NGO revealed that the ship, which is in international waters off the coast of Malta, issued a SOS distress signal immediately after the attack.

A ship from South Cyprus was dispatched but did not provide the necessary important electrical support.

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

BREEKING: At men's 3 Maltese time, a #FreedomFlotillaship was subjected to a drone attack. The front of the vessel was targeted motion, resulting in a fire and a brake in the hull. The ship is currently listed in international waters near #Malta. An #SOS distress signal was sent. pic.twitter.com/J6oEQafuOb

Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the drone strike allegedly deliberately targeted the ship's generator, leaving the crew without power and putting the ship at great risk of sinking.

On board there are international human rights activists who are carrying out violent humanitarian missions to counter Israel's illegal and deadly siege of Gaza, and to deliver much-needed and life-saving aid, the organization said.

"Israeli ambassadors must be summoned and held accountable for violations of international law, including ongoing blockades and bombings of our civilian ships in international waters," the organization said, accusing Israel of being behind the attack.

Furthermore, Freedom Flotilla Coalition asks the international community to condemn aggression against unarmed humanitarian aid vessels, demanding Malta authorities act immediately.

"All countries end political, financial and military support against Israeli illegal sieges, blockades, occupations and apartheids," the organization exclaimed.

Separately, the Malta Government said maritime authorities had received a call from a ship that reported a fire shortly after midnight local time.

The ship is outside territorial waters and has 12 crew members and four civilians on board, the Malta Government said.

A nearby tugboat headed to the scene and launched a fire fighting operation and a Malta patrol boat was dispatched. After several hours, the ship and its crew were safe, the government said, adding crew refused to board the tugboat.

Meanwhile, Israel's foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.

Much earlier, another coalition ship carrying out a similar mission to Gaza in 2010 was stopped and boarded by Israeli forces, causing nine activists to die. Another ship has also been stopped and boarded, without casualties.