Türkiye Evacuates Global Sumud Flotilla Passengers After Malfunction

2025-09-29 07:49:10

(MENAFN) A vessel from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Johnny M, which was carrying vital humanitarian supplies for Gaza, suffered a mechanical failure in the Mediterranean early Monday. The incident prompted a distress call, triggering urgent action by Türkiye to ensure the safety of its passengers.

The ship, located in the waters between Crete, Cyprus, and Egypt, reported the breakdown in the morning. The captain of the Johnny M informed authorities via radio that water was flooding the engine compartment, putting the vessel at risk.

The passengers aboard the ship hailed from a range of countries, including Luxembourg, France, Finland, Mexico, and Malaysia. In response to the emergency, the Turkish Red Crescent and relevant local authorities mobilized swiftly to facilitate the safe evacuation.

Captain Semih Fener of the Alma, a ship dispatched to assist in the operation, spoke to media: “(Johnny M) There is no sunken ship, only a technical malfunction. We took 12 people from there and distributed them to other ships. Four people will return to their homes.”

Captain Fener confirmed that the four evacuees returning home would transit through Türkiye before traveling to their respective countries. He added: “They are grateful to the Turks, to the Turkish Red Crescent, for the evacuation process.”

A statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla via their U.S.-based Instagram platform praised the rapid coordination by the Turkish government and the on-the-ground efforts of the Turkish Red Crescent, ensuring the evacuation proceeded without complications.

Authorities expressed deep appreciation for Türkiye's swift response, underscoring the nation's pivotal role not only in securing the passengers' safe return but also in supporting the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The statement further reassured the public that the operation's timeline remained unaffected, with the fleet expected to reach its destination in four days.

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