An international flotilla aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza has reported that one of its boats, the Portuguese-flagged “Family Boat,” was attacked by a drone while anchored in the port of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia. However, Tunisian authorities have contradicted these claims, stating that no drone was detected and that an initial investigation points to a fire originating on the vessel itself.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. local time on Tuesday, 9 September. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), the organising coalition, stated that while all six passengers and crew are safe, the boat sustained fire damage to its main deck and below-deck storage.
The group released uncorroborated video footage allegedly showing a “luminous flying object” hitting the vessel, followed by an explosion and fire. A crew member, Miguel Duarte, gave a direct account, stating, “It was 100 percent a drone that dropped a bomb.”
In direct opposition to the GSF’s account, Tunisian officials have refuted the report of a drone attack. Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesperson for Tunisia’s national guard, told Agence France-Presse that “no drones have been detected” and that preliminary findings suggest a fire broke out among life jackets on board. The national guard later issued a statement calling the reports “completely unfounded” and suggested a cigarette might have caused the fire.
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Conflicting accounts and international attention
The flotilla, which includes high-profile activist Greta Thunberg, departed from Barcelona, Spain, last week with the stated mission of breaking Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of Gaza. The GSF described itself as a peaceful, independent group not linked to any government. Following the incident, supporters gathered at the port waving Palestinian flags.
The differing narratives have drawn international attention. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, who was at the port, suggested that if an attack were confirmed, it would be an “assault and aggression against Tunisia.”
She shared the GSF’s video on social media, urging people to “draw your conclusions.” The Israeli military has not issued an immediate comment on the alleged drone incident.
The GSF remains steadfast, with a statement declaring, “Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us.” This incident marks another challenge for the aid mission, which has faced previous setbacks, including the detention of activists by Israeli forces in June.
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