Roughly forty boats heading toward Gaza have set off again after pausing for two days near a small island just south of Crete. Organizers of the flotilla said they were waiting for naval vessels to reach them before continuing.
Both Italy and Spain had announced plans to send warships to accompany the flotilla, either to watch over it or step in if there were further incidents. The initiative, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, began its journey from Barcelona on September 1. In the weeks since, the ships have stopped for a week in Tunisia, lingered for several days around Sicily, and then remained anchored south of Crete for two days.
On Thursday afternoon, an Italian naval vessel was spotted near the flotilla, though it was unclear by Friday if any others had joined. Naval reinforcements were dispatched after flotilla members said their ships came under attack Tuesday night while about 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Crete.
Following that incident, the flotilla edged closer to Crete’s coastline, apparently seeking the security of Greek waters. They were soon joined by several sailboats that had departed from Greece, bringing the combined fleet to about 20 ships from Spain, 20 from Italy, and as many as six from Greece. Some boats, however, have not been able to keep up.
One of the largest vessels, a 23-meter leisure craft named Family, was left behind near Koufonisia off Crete. Unlike most of the flotilla, which consists of smaller sailing boats, Family carried a large crew and was considered one of the key ships in the group.
Family reportedly experienced mechanical issues with its engines. Earlier this month, while anchored near Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia, the same vessel was allegedly struck by a drone. Whether it sustained lasting damage remains uncertain.
According to social media updates, Family’s crew has now been distributed among other boats. By Saturday evening, the flotilla was sailing southeast around 9 nautical miles from Koufonisia, which meant it was leaving Greek waters. A larger ship called Life Support, operated by the NGO Emergency, has also joined them. Built in 2002, the 52-meter vessel is equipped to provide humanitarian assistance.
At present, the flotilla includes about 40 craft altogether. Among them are the veteran sailing ship Sirius region, the converted fishing boat Estrella Y Manuel, and a 33-meter luxury yacht named Alma Explorers.
In addition, some newly arrived vessels have joined the effort, such as the Seulle flying San Marino’s flag, Australia’s Fox Hat, Greece’s Captain Nikos, and the Dutch sailboat Donna. Boats that began the trip in Spain, like Mikeno VI and Inana, remain part of the convoy. The Spanish yacht Jeannot III, however, has stayed behind with Family for now.
Reports indicate Spain has dispatched the naval corvette Furor (P-46) to accompany the flotilla. It is still unclear whether the ship will provide direct protection or simply maintain a watchful presence in international waters.
Italy, meanwhile, has sent two of its own frigates, the Fasan (F-591) and the Alpino (F-594). Their exact assignment has not been specified.
{Matzav.com}
