Govind Tekale
On May 2, 2025, at approximately 00:23 local time (UTC+2), the humanitarian vessel “Conscience” was hit by two drone strikes while in international waters about 17 nautical miles (31 km) north of Malta. The attack damaged the ship’s generators, breached its hull, and sparked a fire, forcing the suspension of its Gaza‑bound aid mission.
The Attack
The Conscience, a 65‑meter cargo vessel registered under the Palau flag, was carrying approximately 20 tonnes of food, water‑purification systems, and medical supplies. According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which organized the mission, two armed drones struck the ship at coordinates 35°56′28.76″ N, 14°50′30.63″ E.
“The first drone hit our forward generator, causing an electrical fire. The second strike breached the hull below the waterline,” said an FFC spokesperson in their emergency press briefing, later detailed in this follow‑up release.
While the attack caused significant damage to the vessel, all 16 people aboard — 12 crew members and 4 activists survived. Three individuals sustained minor injuries, but no serious casualties were reported.
Greta Thunberg Connection
Climate activist Greta Thunberg had arrived in Malta on April 30, 2025, planning to board the Conscience alongside approximately 40 other activists. The drone strike occurred just hours before her scheduled embarkation.
In a statement released before the incident, Thunberg had emphasized that “climate justice is inextricable from human rights and the right to humanitarian aid under siege,” a message she detailed on her official site. The attack forced the evacuation of the vessel and postponement of the mission.
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Immediate Response
Following the attack, the Conscience issued an SOS distress call. Malta’s Armed Forces dispatched a patrol boat, and a tugboat from Cyprus provided firefighting support, stabilizing the vessel and ensuring the safety of those aboard.
Attribution and Reactions
The FFC publicly accused Israel of orchestrating the drone attack, pointing to flight‑tracking data showing an Israeli Air Force C‑130 Hercules aircraft (registration 545) flying at low altitude near eastern Malta several hours before the incident. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assault in the strongest terms, confirmed Turkish nationals were aboard, and vowed to hold those responsible accountable under international law.
The Broader Context
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has a history of organizing aid missions to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza, which began in June 2007 and was tightened in March 2025.
Just days before the attack, on April 28, 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) held hearings on Israel’s Gaza blockade, with UN legal counsel emphasizing obligations under the Geneva Conventions for occupying powers to facilitate humanitarian aid.
Next Steps
The FFC has announced a suspension of further sailings pending a transparent investigation. They have appealed to Maltese authorities for safe harbor and technical assistance to repair the damaged vessel.
“We call on the international community to uphold the principles of maritime law and human solidarity,” the FFC stated in their press release. “Attacks on civilian vessels delivering humanitarian aid could constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law.”
