(MENAFN) The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) for Gaza declared that one of its principal ships, the “Family Boat,” was allegedly hit by what is believed to be a drone near Tunisia’s shoreline early Tuesday.

However, Tunisian officials rejected the assertion.

According to a statement carried by a Tunisian official news agency, the country’s Interior Ministry refuted reports that the Portuguese-registered vessel had been targeted by a drone while moored close to the port of Sidi Bou Said.

The ministry explained that security teams examined the location and concluded that the blaze originated from a life vest catching fire. The flames were promptly extinguished and did not result in casualties or structural harm, aside from the burning of several jackets, it added.

Earlier on the same day, the flotilla had issued a declaration stating that the ship was attacked by a drone within Tunisian waters.

The group further circulated video recorded from another vessel, claiming it “shows the exact moment the Family Boat was struck from above.”

The monochrome footage seems to depict a flammable object descending onto the ship, sparking an explosion and subsequent fire.

Onboard were also the team from the Madeleine, a previous humanitarian flotilla boat confiscated by the Israeli army in June.

Passengers included Swedish environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg, activist Yasemin Acar, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, and Turkish activist Suayb Ordu.

“All passengers and crew are safe,” the flotilla stated, continuing: “An investigation is currently underway, and when more information is available, it will be released immediately.”

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