Five ships from Gaza aid flotilla turn back due to rough seas

The Global Sumud Flotilla destined for Gaza to provide aid turned back five small vessels shortly after its second departure in two days due to rough seas.

"Due to extreme weather conditions last night, five of our smaller vessels turned back for safety reasons. We are relieved to confirm that everyone is safe and accounted for, and the mission continues," the expedition said in a statement.

It remains unclear which five vessels are affected, whether their crew members have been transferred to other ships, or if their provisions and medical supplies have also been redistributed.

According to VesselFinder, in an update at 11.30 am, the expedition was approaching Menorca, about 43 nautical miles from Barcelona—roughly 80 kilometers— traveling at a speed of 4 knots.

The mission has encountered several problems in its first days. Originally scheduled for Sunday, it initially departed but had to abort shortly after due to the weather.

The second departure, on Monday night, was successful but with the loss of five smaller vessels.

"We remain steadfast in our commitment to reach Gaza, to join with ships departing from Tunis, Greece, and Italy, and to stand united in breaking Israel’s illegal siege with a humanitarian and nonviolent mission," they said.

In the statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla organizers also criticized governments for "failing to break the siege" on Gaza.

"If even one of the complicit governments sent their far more capable ships to Gaza, these obstacles would not fall on ordinary people," they said.

Among those on board are climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and Irish actor Liam Cunningham.