Gaza aid flotilla carrying Cork comedian reports second drone attack on boat at Tunisian port

Global Sumud Flotilla says two boats were hit by drones in Tunisian waters, but vows to continue Gaza aid mission

International aid initiative Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) said one of its boats came under drone attack at Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said port, the second reported strike in two days.

The GSF, which seeks to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza using civilian boats, said in a statement early Wednesday that all passengers and crew were unharmed and the boat sustained no structural damage.

The flotilla, carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists including Greta Thunberg and Cork comedian and activist Tadhg Hickey, posted a video on Instagram of Wednesday’s alleged attack. The footage shows a luminous object hitting the boat, followed by fire erupting on board. The video has not yet been independently verified.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner ahead of joining the flotilla last month, Mr Hickey said that whatever those on board would go through would be "an absolute drop in the ocean compared to what Palestinians are going through at their hands every single day of the week". 

"I believe that eventually the world is going to do the right thing and allow safe passage for vital aid," he said. 

Investigation underway

GSF reported the first attack on Tuesday, claiming a vessel was struck by a drone in Tunisian waters. Tunisia’s interior ministry denied this, saying reports of a drone hit had “no basis in truth” and that the fire originated on the boat itself.

The group said the British-flagged Alma suffered fire damage to its top deck and that an investigation is under way.

It later posted an image of what it described as a “charred electronic device” recovered from the deck.

“While a full investigation is ongoing, the presence of such a device provides further indication that the boat was deliberately targeted,” it said.

Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, posted video of the burning Alma and said it indicated a drone attack.

“Video evidence suggests a drone – with no light so it could not be seen – dropped a device that set the deck of the Alma boat on fire,” she wrote on social media.

Several ambulances rushed to the port, while a Reuters witness reported coastguard boats near the Alma.

Despite the incidents, the activists said they would continue their “peaceful voyage” on Wednesday as planned, pressing forward with determination and resolve.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg waves from a boat taking part in a civilian flotilla bound for Gaza, aiming to break the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid. Picture: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

The flotilla is supported by delegations from 44 countries, including Swedish activist Thunberg and Portuguese politician Mariana Mortágua.

Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized control in 2007, saying it prevents weapons smuggling. The restrictions on food and aid have tightened during the current war, with famine reported in parts of the enclave in July.

In June, Israeli naval forces boarded and seized a British-flagged yacht carrying Thunberg. In 2010, Israel killed nine Turkish activists during its raid on the Mavi Marmara, which also attempted to break the blockade.

The GSF statement did not say who it believed was behind the alleged attacks, but described them as an “orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission“.

“The Global Sumud Flotilla continues undeterred. Our peaceful voyage to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza and stand in unwavering solidarity with its people presses forward with determination and resolve,” the group added.