Gaza Aid Flotilla Vessel Hit by Drone in Tunisia, Investigation Underway
Gaza Aid Flotilla Vessel Hit by Drone in Tunisia, Investigation Underway
A vessel belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla, an activist group aiming to deliver aid to Gaza, was reportedly attacked by a drone while docked in Tunisia on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The group stated that all six passengers aboard the vessel were safe following the incident. While climate activist Greta Thunberg has been associated with the flotilla, it remains unconfirmed if she was on board at the time of the alleged strike.
Miguel Duarte, a Portuguese citizen on the boat, described hearing and seeing a drone before it allegedly dropped a device, causing a fire. He recounted, “I came out of the cover of the deck to see a drone hovering about three or four meters (yards) above my head… then we saw the drone move to the forward part of the deck… and then dropped a bomb.” Crew members successfully extinguished the blaze.
Initially, Tunisian authorities, including the National Guard and Interior Ministry, denied any drone strike, suggesting the fire was caused by a lighter or cigarette butt. However, a spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla later told CBS News that Tunisian authorities decided to form a special committee to investigate the incident after reviewing video evidence provided by the group. The flotilla spokesperson expressed appreciation for the ongoing investigation.
The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Spain over a week ago, seeking to transport humanitarian aid to Gaza and highlight the dire humanitarian situation there. Israel maintains a maritime blockade of Gaza, citing security concerns to prevent weapons smuggling into the territory, which is governed by Hamas. Israel has previously intercepted similar flotillas, leading to confrontations.
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