Rescue Operation for Stranded Vessel in International Waters
A Turkish rescue operation was launched yesterday to assist a boat from the "Freedom Flotilla" en route to Gaza, which experienced a technical failure, according to the Turkish state agency Anadolu. The platform operating the flotilla reported on its website that all individuals on board were rescued and transferred to another vessel, without mentioning Turkey's involvement.
Incident Details
The vessel, Johnny M., was located in international waters between Crete, Cyprus, and Egypt when it issued a distress call early yesterday morning. Turkish authorities and the Turkish Red Crescent coordinated the evacuation operation. According to Captain Semih Fener, who spoke to Anadolu, the incident was caused by a technical failure. "We rescued 12 people and distributed them among other boats. Four people will have to return home via Turkey," he stated.
Background on the Freedom Flotilla
The flotilla, which aims to arrive in Gaza within four days to deliver humanitarian aid, has faced several attacks condemned by the UN and the European Union. Italy and Spain have deployed military vessels to the area to ensure the protection of the boats, which set sail from Barcelona, Spain, at the beginning of the month. The flotilla's organizers announced on their website that all participants were transferred safely to another boat, with some being reassigned to other vessels and returned to land. "All participants were transferred safely and soundly to another boat. Some will be reassigned to other ships and will be brought back to land," the statement read.
