The Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza says one of its main boats was struck by a drone in Tunisian waters, with activists blaming Israel.
The flotilla said the six passengers and crew on board the vessel were safe, Reuters reported. The Portuguese-flagged "family boat", carrying its steering committee, sustained fire damage to its main deck and below-deck storage in the early hours of Tuesday, the GSF said.
It posted footage that appeared to show a projectile striking the boat. Francesca Albanese, the UN's special rapporteur for Palestine, spoke at the scene, saying there was "a lot of shock because, apparently, what comes out of the facts, as they are known, is the main flotilla boat has been attacked by a drone".
"Of course, it will have to be verified, but there is a history of attacks on the flotilla. There are current statements against the flotilla, of course, by Israel," she said.
"There is no other state currently protecting this flotilla other than Tunisia. If it's confirmed that this is a drone attack, it will be an assault and aggression against Tunisia and against Tunisian sovereignty."
But Tunisia’s National Guard told Mosaique FM radio that reports of a drone attack "have no basis in truth", adding that an initial inspection indicated the explosion originated inside the vessel.
National guard spokesman Houcem Eddine Jebabli told AFP that "according to preliminary findings, a fire broke out in the life jackets on board a ship anchored 50 miles from the port of Sidi Bou Said".
"The investigation is ongoing and no drone has been detected," he added.
The flotilla is an international initiative seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza using civilian boats supported by delegations from 44 countries.
After the strike, dozens of people gathered outside Sidi Bou Said port, where the flotilla's boats were docked, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "free Palestine".
The GSF also said an investigation into the drone attack was under way and its results would be released once available. "Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us," the GSF said. "Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve."
