A ship carrying aid to Gaza was damaged in an apparent drone strike near Malta early Friday, prompting Swedish climate alarmist Greta Thunberg to speak out against what she described as "violations of international law" and demand access for humanitarian relief. The boat was attempted to run the Israeli blockade of Gaza and had its flag revoked by the Republic of Palau ahead of the drone strike.

Thunberg had been set to join the vessel as part of a mission bythe Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international NGO that blamed Israel for the attack. The group has a mission "to end the illegal Israeli blockade of Gaza," which they say has been ongoing for 17 years, since Israel withdrew from Gaza and Hamas took charge of government.

The ship, named the Conscience, caught fire in international waters outside Malta. Video released by the group shows flames onboard and explosions heard in the background. The NGO said the strike left a breach in the hull and disabled the generator, risking the vessel's ability to stay afloat.

Maltese authorities said they received a mayday call just after midnight local time. Authorities responded with a patrol vessel and a nearby tug. Those authorities, along with those in Greece and Turkey, have said the boat would be confiscated if it docked at their points. 

They reported 16 people onboard, though Thunberg and the coalition say there were 30. The crew reportedly declined to board the tugboat. Without a flag or insurance, the boat will have trouble finding a willing port.