Drone Strike or Accident? Clashing Narratives Over Gaza Aid Ship Fire in Tunisia

Drone Strike or Accident? Dispute Over Gaza Aid Ship Fire

On September 9, 2025, activists reported that a humanitarian aid ship heading for Gaza was attacked by a drone in a Tunisian port, creating a worldwide crisis. However, Tunisian officials have officially disputed these claims, sparking a heated debate about what actually happened to the vessel.

The Incident: Fire Aboard the "Family Boat"

Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla said that their lead vessel, the Portuguese-flagged "Family Boat," was targeted by a drone while parked in the lovely town of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia. They said the reported collision sparked a fire on the main and lower decks. Fortunately, all six crew members and passengers survived unscathed.

The flotilla, whose name means "resilience" in Arabic, is on a civilian-led mission to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian supplies.

Flotilla's Evidence: Video and Witness Accounts

The flotilla organizers released video evidence to support their claim:

• External Footage: A video from a neighboring vessel appears to show a luminous object descending onto the "Family Boat" before erupting into flames.

• Security Camera: The ship’s own security camera captured crew members reacting to a sudden flash before the fire breaks out.

Miguel Duarte, an activist and critical witness, presented a personal account. He claimed to have seen a drone flying four meters (13 feet) above them right before a huge explosion. "There was a huge explosion with lots of fire and big, big flames..." "We might have been killed," he told Middle East Eye.

The flotilla spokesperson, Saif Abukeshek, accused Israel of the attack, adding, "There is no other authority that would do such an attack…except the Israeli authorities."

Tunisia's Official Denial

In direct contradiction, official investigations tell a different story. The Tunisian National Guard and Interior Ministry declared the drone strike claims "completely unfounded."

Their preliminary investigation suggests the fire originated internally, possibly from a source like a lighter or cigarette accidentally igniting a life jacket or other flammable material. Authorities confirmed that their systems detected no drone activity in the area at the time of the incident.

International Reaction and On-Site Observers

The conflicting versions have attracted international notice. Francesca Albanese, a UN Special Rapporteur, was present at the port during the event. She warned that if a drone strike is confirmed, it would be both an act of aggression against the flotilla and a significant violation of Tunisian sovereignty.

Following the event, pro-Palestinian activists gathered at the Sidi Bou Said port, waving flags and saying "Free Palestine" in support of the flotilla's mission.

The Flotilla's Resolve and Previous Attempts

Despite the fire and investigation, flotilla organizers remain defiant. They promised that this incident would not discourage them from pursuing their mission to bring important humanitarian supplies to Gaza, such as food, water, and medication.

This isn't the first time such a mission has encountered challenges. Earlier this year, a second Freedom Flotilla Coalition operation was apparently targeted in a suspected drone attack off Malta, while another ship, the Madleen, was stopped by Israeli soldiers near Gaza.

Summary: Unresolved Questions

There are many versions of what occurred at Sidi Bou Said port. While the Global Sumud Flotilla alleges a drone strike and blames Israel, Tunisian investigators completely ignored the allegation, attributing the fire to an onboard mishap.

As investigations continue, the episode shows the intense tensions surrounding Israel's siege of Gaza, as well as the extent activists will go to protest it, frequently putting themselves at risk and causing controversy.