In brief
A humanitarian ship, the "Conscience," carrying 16 passengers, suffered multiple explosions off Malta's coast early Friday morning, threatening its journey to Gaza. Operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the ship was on a mission to deliver aid when it encountered the incidents that prompted a mayday call for assistance. The Maltese government confirmed that a tugboat successfully extinguished the resulting fire, and all crew members are reported safe.
Originally departing from Tunisia, the ship was due to stop in Malta to pick up approximately 40 more passengers, including prominent activist Greta Thunberg. No definitive cause for the explosions has been established, and uncertainty remains as to whether the vessel will be permitted to dock in Malta, as authorities continue to monitor and assess the situation in international waters.
