Tensions flared in Tunisia just days before a planned humanitarian mission set sail toward Gaza, as a serious incident involving one of the flotilla’s vessels captured international attention. The boat at the heart of the controversy, known as the “Family Boat,” forms a central part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led maritime initiative designed to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza by delivering aid directly to the region. The flotilla is a complex convoy, composed of ships from over 40 nations and including prominent activists such as Greta Thunberg. It is widely regarded as the largest humanitarian maritime effort of its kind in recent years.

On the morning of September 9, 2025, according to the flotilla organizers, a drone struck the Family Boat while it was docked at the Sidi Bou Said port in Tunisia. The alleged impact ignited a fire that spread across the main deck and the storage areas below deck. Despite the sudden outbreak of flames, all six people on board managed to escape without injury.

Yasemin Acar, a member of the flotilla’s steering committee, documented the incident in a video that was shared widely across social media. In her footage, she described the terrifying moment when a drone hovered above the boat and released a small explosive device, which ignited a blaze on deck. Her vivid narration quickly drew attention, with viewers around the world reacting to the apparent attack.

Additional visual material released by the flotilla appeared to support their version of events. In some videos, a flaming object can be seen descending onto the deck, causing immediate panic among the crew. Other footage, thought to be recorded by security cameras on the vessel, seemed to capture the moment of impact from a different angle.

Witnesses, including Miguel Duarte, who was present on the Family Boat at the time, reported seeing a drone hovering just meters above the vessel before it dropped what he described as a bomb. Duarte expressed certainty that the device was intentionally targeting the flotilla’s ship.

The flotilla’s account prompted swift reactions from supporters and observers. Following the alleged drone strike, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the port, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans in solidarity with the mission. United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who was present in Tunisia and closely monitoring the flotilla’s activities, called for measures to protect the vessels and ensure that the crews could operate safely under local oversight.

At the same time, Tunisian authorities quickly and decisively challenged the flotilla’s claims. Officials from the National Guard stated that no drones had been detected in the area and suggested that the fire may have originated from within the boat itself.

Their preliminary findings indicate that the blaze could have started in the storage area, possibly containing life jackets, and may have been accidentally triggered by a careless act such as a cigarette or a lighter. A spokesperson for the National Guard emphasized that the claims of a drone attack were without merit, asserting that the fire appeared to be an unfortunate accident rather than the result of deliberate external aggression.

International media outlets have highlighted both perspectives on the incident. While the flotilla insists that the Portuguese-flagged Family Boat was targeted, Tunisian authorities maintain that the fire originated internally and that the ongoing investigation aims to clarify the cause.

News organizations such as Omni and Aftonbladet have covered the story in detail, drawing attention to the dramatic footage released by the flotilla, while also reporting Tunisian authorities’ denials. Aftonbladet, for instance, focused on Acar’s account of a drone causing the fire, whereas Omni reported the government’s skepticism.

Eyewitness accounts add further complexity. A journalist aboard the vessel recounted being awakened by a loud explosion near his sleeping area and described observing a drone hovering overhead as the fire erupted on the front deck. Another witness confirmed seeing a drone drop a device that triggered the flames, which were subsequently extinguished by the crew.

Other international media, including India Times, have emphasized that the flotilla perceives the incident as an intimidation attempt meant to deter their humanitarian mission. Tunisian authorities, on the other hand, maintain that the matter requires further investigation before conclusions can be drawn.

The voyage of the flotilla has faced numerous obstacles even before this incident. Departing from Barcelona at the end of August, the mission encountered harsh weather, technical issues, and logistical difficulties. Several vessels were forced to return to port or take detours to the Balearic Islands, and crews reported illnesses, equipment malfunctions, and challenging sea conditions. Nevertheless, at least fifteen boats eventually regrouped and reached Tunisia, where the broader convoy was scheduled to converge before heading toward Gaza.

This is not the first confrontation experienced by the flotilla. Earlier in June 2025, a mission using another vessel, the Madleen, which was carrying critical supplies such as food, baby formula, and medical kits, was intercepted by Israeli authorities.

Activists on board, including Greta Thunberg, were detained and deported, preventing the vessel from reaching Gaza. That incident had already stirred international debate about the legality, risks, and humanitarian implications of civilian-led maritime missions to the region.

At present, the situation remains unresolved. The flotilla maintains its determination, asserting that attempts to intimidate or hinder their peaceful mission will not deter them from challenging the naval blockade and delivering aid to Gaza. Tunisian authorities continue their investigation, while the public is left with conflicting accounts and mounting curiosity about the true cause of the fire.

The combination of eyewitness testimonies, visual documentation, and official statements will likely be analyzed in depth as the inquiry unfolds, with potential consequences for the flotilla’s next steps and for the wider international discourse surrounding humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza.