FLOTILLA NEGOTIATES DOCKING AS GAZA-BOUND AID SHIP REMAINS STRANDED AFTER DRONE ATTACK

ANKARA, May 5 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- A humanitarian aid ship bound for Gaza remains anchored in international waters off Malta as negotiations continue with Maltese authorities to allow it to dock for urgent repairs following a suspected drone attack on Friday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

The ship, Conscience, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was struck by drones early May 2 while en route from Tunisia to Gaza.

According to those on board, the vessel suffered a fire and significant damage to its engine room and hull.

There were no serious injuries reported among the 16 people on board, which includes crew members, journalists and humanitarian workers from more than 20 countries.

In an interview with AA, Mavi Marmara Freedom and Solidarity Association chairperson Ismail Songur, who was aboard the ship, said the explosion was followed by a fire that lasted nearly four hours.

“We saw a drone overhead, and shortly after, a second explosion occurred,” he said.

Efforts to contact emergency services were reportedly hampered after communication systems were jammed and distress calls were overridden. Maltese emergency crews arrived hours later.

The vessel is currently located about 12 nautical miles off Malta and remains under surveillance by coast guard vessels. It is not permitted to move while dock access remains under negotiation.

Maltese officials have indicated willingness to assist, but have requested cargo inspection to confirm the vessel is carrying only humanitarian aid.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the evidence collected from debris on the ship would be submitted to international legal bodies. Preliminary claims also suggest military aircraft activity in the area hours before the incident.

“This was not only an attack on a ship -- it was an attack on a humanitarian mission,” Songur said.

“We urge the Maltese government to allow us to dock. This ship cannot continue in its current condition.”

The incident has drawn international concern, with humanitarian organisations calling for an independent investigation into the attack and protection for aid missions operating in conflict zones.

-- BERNAMA