Freedom Flotilla in talks with Malta to repair Gaza aid ship

An international NGO whose vessel had been damaged by a drone attack on its way to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza said it was in talks with Malta, with the aim of allowing the damaged vessel to enter Maltese waters for repairs.

Operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the ship Conscience had been waiting for some 30 peace activists from around the world before setting sail to Gaza carrying food and medicines.

The ship’s front section was damaged by two drones just outside Maltese territorial waters on Friday. The hit resulted in loss of power on the vessel.

The vessel was in no danger of sinking, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said, but organizers would like to be sure that it would be safe from further attacks while being repaired.

Malta demands inspection before docking

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group of nongovernmental organizations, blamed Israel for the attack. Israeli officials have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said Sunday that Malta would be willing to repair the ship once authorities had confirmed that it only carried humanitarian aid. A Maltese government spokesperson reiterated that.

This comes after Malta previously said the ship’s crew had refused assistance or to allow a surveyor on board to assess the damage.

“In the last few hours there was insistence that first the boat comes into Maltese waters and then the surveyor is allowed onboard,” Abela said.

“Before a vessel — any vessel — is allowed to enter Maltese waters then control must be in the hands of Maltese authorities, especially when we are talking about a vessel with no flag, no insurance.”

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the Conscience had no flag because the Pacific nation of Palau withdrew its registration on Friday before it was due to depart. The group also said is committed to “engagement” with Maltese authorities to allow the ship’s docking in the country.