Witnesses present at Sidi Bou Saïd report that a drone reportedly struck the largest ship in the flotilla, the “Family” ship, moored at the entrance to the port. The information was relayed on social networks by Wael Naouar, activist for the Palestinian cause and member of the Coordination of Joint Work for Palestine, but it has not been confirmed by local authorities.
Several observers speculate that the drone may have come from foreign forces, but no official source has been able to confirm its origin.
Testimony reported to Wael Naouar
“We were on the ship when it was struck. According to the initial testimonies of the passengers, a small drone landed on the front of the vessel and dropped an incendiary device. We heard the passengers’ cries and observed damage to the ship. The Tunisian government intervened quickly to control the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the ship remains operational. We continue to conduct checks to assess the full extent of the damage.”
The “Family” ship, the largest in the flotilla, plays a central role in transporting humanitarian equipment and provisions.
Following the incident, Wael Naouar called for citizen mobilization, inviting residents to go to the port to support the ships and their crews.
Context of the flotilla
The “Al-Soumoud” flotilla, composed of around twenty ships, departed from Barcelona on 1 September and made a stop at Sidi Bou Saïd on 7 September. The departure toward Gaza is planned for 10 September, with the integration of Tunisian ships and others at sea near Italy.
This international initiative, supported by activists from 44 countries, aims to break the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza and provide humanitarian aid.
