The Maltese Government said that all people aboard a Gaza “freedom flotilla” that was reportedly attacked earlier this morning are safe.

The government provided an update after Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which is campaigning to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza, said drones shot at its Conscience vessel at around 00:23am off the coast of Malta in international waters.

They said the Malta Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) received a Mayday call from Conscience at 00:20am, reporting a fire on the bow while outside territorial waters.

The vessel had 12 crew members and four civilian passengers on board and no casualties were reported.

They said the crew confirmed the fire was not under control and requested immediate assistance.

At 00:21am, a nearby tug located approximately one nautical mile away contacted Malta VTS to confirm it was firefighting-equipped, and offer immediate support.

The tug arrived on scene and began firefighting operations. By 1:28am, the fire was reported under control.

An Armed Forces of Malta patrol vessel was dispatched to provide further assistance. By 2:13am, all crew were confirmed safe but refused to board the tug.

Assistance was provided to support interior firefighting efforts, and by 3:45am, the vessel and its crew were secure.

“The ship remains outside territorial waters and being monitored by the competent authorities,” the government said.