Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Attack on the Freedom Fleet Ship (2025)

A drone attack targeting a vessel belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which was operating to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, occurred on international waters on 2 May 2025. The attack took place off the coast of Malta, causing a fire on board and severe structural damage to the hull. The crew sustained injuries, distress calls were issued, and numerous states, international organizations, and civil society groups issued statements following the incident. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has attributed responsibility for the attack to Israel.

Structure of the Coalition and Vessel Route

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is an international initiative formed by civil society organizations from various countries with the aim of breaking the blockade on Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to the region. The coalition’s vessel, named “Conscience” (Global Conscience), departed from the port of Oslo in Norway, planned to meet with other activists at European ports to raise awareness, and ultimately intended to reach Gaza. The aid vessel carried volunteers transporting humanitarian supplies. Throughout the journey, media blackouts were enforced and route details were not disclosed to the public for security reasons.

Course of the Attack

The attack occurred at 00:23 local time on 2 May 2025. Two separate drones launched aerial strikes on the vessel; the first explosion ignited a fire in the forward section, followed shortly by a second explosion. Those on board initially believed the vessel had been struck by another ship but observed the fire and drones upon reaching the upper deck. Several crew members sustained minor injuries, and efforts were made to extinguish the fire using the ship’s water drainage systems. Significant damage was inflicted on the hull, resulting in water ingress into lower compartments.

Vessel Location and Rescue Operation

At the time of the attack, the vessel was reported to be sailing in international waters approximately 13 to 17 nautical miles from Malta. Following the incident, internet connectivity was lost and radio systems experienced frequency interference. No immediate response was received to the distress calls, but several hours later, Maltese coast guard units rescued 16 people (12 crew members and 4 passengers). Tugboats were dispatched, but the vessel was kept adrift and not brought into a Maltese port. Authorities confirmed that the crew’s safety had been secured and that the risk of sinking had been swiftly mitigated.

Crew Composition and Condition

Yasemin Acar, Press Coordinator of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, stated that 30 volunteer humanitarian workers were on board during the attack. Subsequently, Maltese authorities announced that 16 individuals (12 crew and 4 passengers) had been rescued. Some activists reportedly took shelter in cabins and operated the water drainage systems during the crisis. Most of the crew were reported to be in stable health following the attack. Spanish activist Sandra Barrilaro, who was on board, stated that the vessel’s generator had been targeted, communications were completely severed after the attack, and no information about the internal condition of the ship was available for hours.

Technical Damage and Security Gaps

It was reported that the attack struck the front section of the vessel, igniting a fire, followed by the creation of a hole beneath the second deck. Beheşti İsmail Songür, President of the Blue Marmara Freedom and Solidarity Association, stated that significant material damage occurred after the explosions, that water ingress was controlled to prevent sinking, and that the vessel was stabilized. Coalition members repeatedly asserted that the attack constituted a violation of international law and a war crime.

Perpetrator of the Attack

While the coalition has been unable to directly confirm the source of the attack, it maintains that it was carried out by Israel or one of its allies. Israeli state television KAN confirmed that an Israeli C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft had been flying near Malta hours before the attack. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli stated in her remarks that allegations had emerged that the vessel had been targeted by Israeli drones and that investigations were ongoing to clarify all aspects of the incident.

International Reactions and Legal Assessments

Türkiye’s Response

Türkiye Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Öncü Keçeli stated in her statement regarding the attack that the incident occurred in international waters against a civilian vessel, posing a threat to maritime security and freedom of navigation. Keçeli announced that Turkish citizens were also on board the vessel, that their health conditions were good, and that the process was being carried out in cooperation with Maltese authorities. Türkiye has declared that it condemns the attack in the strongest possible terms.

United Nations Call for an Independent Investigation

United Nations (UN) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan stated in his remarks on the attack on the Freedom Flotilla that an independent, impartial, and effective investigation into the incident must be conducted. Al-Kheetan emphasized that serious attention must be given to elements such as the fire on board the vessel and the distress call issued in international waters, and stressed that accountability for those responsible is of vital importance. He further described the blockade of Gaza as “collective punishment,” noting that it is prohibited under international humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime.

European Parliament and International Civil Society

European Parliament member and AP Palestine Delegation representative Ana Miranda Paz asserted that the attack took place in international waters and that Israel has acquired impunity for such attacks. She argued that the European Union must take more decisive action against Israel and called for accountability to be established following the attack. Recalling her participation in the previous humanitarian flotilla in 2015, Paz stated that the use of violence against such humanitarian initiatives is unacceptable.

UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine Francesca Albanese’s Appeal

UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine Francesca Albanese, in a post on X following the attack, stated that she received appeals for assistance from individuals on the flotilla carrying essential food and medicine to the people of Gaza. She called upon all maritime authorities and relevant state agencies to provide support to the vessel and its crew. Albanese also expressed her confidence that the relevant authorities would investigate the facts and take appropriate action.

Evacuation and Return of Turkish Citizens

Six Turkish citizens aboard the vessel named “Conscience,” which was attacked, have returned to Türkiye as of 5 May 2025. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the health conditions of those who returned are good. It has been reported that efforts are ongoing to coordinate with Maltese authorities for the safe transfer of other Turkish citizens serving as crew members on the vessel to a secure location.