ANKARA - A civilian ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was struck in a drone attack early Friday while sailing in international waters near Malta, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
"At 00:23 Maltese time, a Freedom Flotilla 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 coalition said in a statement.
It added that the ship remains in international waters near Malta and had issued an SOS distress signal.
However, the Maltese government has not responded to the distress call, the coalition claimed.
The coalition urged Malta to fulfil its obligation under international maritime law to protect civilian vessels in distress within its proximity.
The ship was reportedly en route to Gaza, aiming to deliver aid and challenge the ongoing Israeli blockade.
The source of the drone strike has not been confirmed. - BERNAMA