The government said Saturday evening that the crew on board the vessel Conscience continues to refuse to be rescued.
In reply to suggestions made during the day that the ship should be allowed entry to Malta, the government said Maltese authorities have provided assistance from the outset in relation to the situation aboard the unflagged vessel ‘Conscience’.
The carrying, which was carrying aid to Gaza, was attacked by drones in international waters off Malta on Friday, the group organizing the shipment said.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of attacking its ship. The group did not provide evidence for that claim or to show that the fire was caused by drones, but in a video it shared an explosion could be heard. Another video showed a fire blazing.
In a statement on Saturday evening, the government said Malta offered immediate assistance with fire-fighting measures when the vessel issued an emergency call, and an AFM patrol boat was also deployed to assist the vessel and crew.
Once the crew and passengers on board were confirmed safe, they were offered to board a tugboat to be taken safely on land. The crew members and passengers refused the offer.
“Moreover, today the crew and people on board were again offered rescue, which was refused,” the government said.
The authorities also ensured that the crew received all necessary support, including essential supplies and humanitarian assistance, the statement added.
Additionally, Malta is offering to send a marine surveyor on board to assess the reported damage sustained by the vessel, and according to the relevant findings, to assist in any emergency repairs necessary to enable the vessel to sail to its intended destination. The vessel’s captain has refused to allow the surveyor to board the vessel, the government said.