Greta Thunberg’s Gaza flotilla protest boat allegedly hit by drone strike, fire breaks out

The flotilla boat carrying activist Greta Thunberg to Gaza has allegedly been hit by a drone strike.

The incident, which occurred off the Tunisian capital Tunis, broke out in the dark of night around 11.30pm, as Thunberg and other activists sailed to Gaza.

The flotilla organiser issued a statement saying: “The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that one of the main boats, known as the ‘Family Boat’ - that was carrying GSF Steering Committee members, was struck by what is suspected to be a drone.”

A panicked video emerged online shortly after the alleged drone strike, showing an activist shouting “we’ve been hit” and “the vessel is on fire”.

The activist claimed that a drone was seen near the boat.

“We’ve been hit by what appears to be a drone,” the man yelled.

“Are we abandoning ship?” he asked another crew member as sirens blared.

“There is a fire in the front deck,” he yelled to the captain.

He went on to say he heard a “loud explosion” in an “attack”.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest trip after the Freedom Flotilla, which sailed for nine days in June 2025 before interception by the Israeli Defence Forces.

That journey ended with Thunberg and her fellow Madleen vessel crew being taken into Israeli detention before being deported.

Activist Yasemin Acar posted a video to social media after the alleged strike.

“The Family boat has been officially attacked a drone came right above it, released a bomb and it exploded and the boat was on fire,” she said.

“They have bombed a boat with civilians on it in Tunisian territory. This is an attack against Gaza because they don’t want us there.

So we need you to mobilise. Let’s not staying quiet.”

Authorities raced to the boat and it is understood that all crew were evacuated.

Ms Acar said in a follow up video that those onboard are “safe”.