-AT SEA OFF MALTA — MAY 2, 2025 — RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “FREEDOM FLOTILLA COALITION” HANDOUT — EDITORIAL USE ONLY — 16 rescued from Gaza humanitarian aid ship after it was attacked by drone off coast of Malta, said public broadcaster TVM on Friday, May 2. A civilian ship carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza was targeted in a drone attack early Friday, May 2, while sailing in international waters near the island of Malta, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said in a statement. “At 00:23 Maltese time, a FreedomFlotilla ship was subjected to a drone attack. The front of the vessel was targeted twice, resulting in a fire and a breach in the hull,” said the coalition. It added that “the ship is currently located in international waters near Malta” and that it sent out an SOS distress signal. The coalition said “the Maltese government has not yet responded to the SOS signal from this civilian humanitarian vessel.” The coalition called on Malta to fulfill its “obligation to act and ensure the safety of a civilian ship in distress within its proximity” as required by international maritime law. The flotilla was reportedly en route to Gaza carrying humanitarian aid in a bid to challenge the Israeli blockade. The source of the drone strike has not been confirmed.