The Gaza “freedom flotilla” whose vessel was reportedly attacked this morning said the ship has more people aboard than the Maltese government alleged.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg said the Conscience vessel had 12 crew members and four civilian passengers on board and no casualties were reported.

However, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said there were actually 30 international human rights activists on board.

They are urging people to contact the Maltese authorities to demand that they rescue the people on board the vessel.

Borg said that the Maltese authorities received a Mayday call from Conscience at 00:20, reporting a fire on the bow while outside territorial waters.

He said a nearby tug offered immediate firefighting support and the fire was reported under control at 1:28am.

He said that an AFM patrol vessel was dispatched to provide further assistance, and that by 2:13am, all crew were confirmed safe but refused to board the tug.

By 3:45am, the vessel and its crew were secure, although the Maltese authorities continue to monitor it.