Drones have struck a ship on a mission  to highlight the halting of humanitarian aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip, triggering a fire.

The ship, named Conscience, issued an SOS warning after a fire broke out on the impact of a drone.

The alleged strike occurred in international waters near Malta on Friday just after midnight..

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) issued a statement blaming Israel for the attack.

"At 00:23 Maltese time, the Conscience, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship came under direct attack in international waters. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition had been organizing a nonviolent action under a media black out to avoid any potential sabotage. Volunteers from over 21 countries travelled to Malta to board the mission to Gaza, including prominent figures," the statement said. "On the morning of their scheduled departure, the vessel was attacked. Armed drones attacked the front of an unarmed civilian vessel twice, causing a fire and a substantial breach in the hull. The last communication in the early morning of the 2nd of May, indicated the drones are still circling the ship."

"The ship, located in international waters just off the coast of Malta, issued an SOS distress signal immediately following the attack. A vessel from Southern Cyprus was dispatched but is not providing the critical electrical support needed," the FFC statement said. "The drone strike appears to have deliberately targeted the ship's generator, leaving the crew without power and placing the vessel at great risk of sinking."

"On board are international human rights activists on a nonviolent humanitarian mission to challenge Israel's illegal and deadly siege of Gaza, and to deliver desperately needed, life-saving aid. Since March 2, 2025 Israel has barred all aid trucks from entering Gaza, deliberately starving over two million civilians in full view of the international community. Humanitarian experts estimate the population in Gaza requires at least 600 aid trucks each day to meet even the most basic needs, yet not a single truck has been allowed in for two months."

"The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Rome advised that a tugboat has been sent out and is on the scene," the flotilla coalition said. "Our communications with the vessel were destroyed in the attack and we are unable to confirm this. Under international maritime law and conventions Malta is obliged to act and ensure the safety of a civilian ship in distress within its proximity. The lack of response and information about the rescue efforts breaches international customary law."

"Israeli ambassadors must be summoned and answer to violations of international law, including the ongoing blockade and the bombing of our civilian vessel in international waters," the coalition asserted.

The coalition statement made a number of demands:

• Malta immediately respond to its obligation and ensure the safety of all on board the vessel.
• The international community condemns this aggression against an unarmed humanitarian aid vessel and demand the Maltese authorities immediately act.
• All states end political, financial and military support for Israel's illegal siege, blockade, occupation, and apartheid.
• Civil society contact Maltese embassies and high commissions globally to ensure the safety of our humanitarians.

Israel, according to The Jerusalem Post, has yet to comment on the attacks.

Photo credit: Government of Malta