The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said Sunday a maritime surveyor is welcome on board their ship Conscience to survey damage which was caused by a drone attack a few days ago.

Addressing an online press conference followed by journalists around the world, speakers representing the FFC described why they initially refused the Maltese authorities' request for a maritime surveyor to hop onboard the damaged ship and analyse the damage sustained.

Responding to a question by The Malta Independent, the speakers stated that rather than outright refusing the surveyor to go on board, the passengers and crew wanted to be guaranteed entry into Malta to dock for repairs following the surveillance.

This request was granted earlier today, they said, with the Prime Minister also announced that the Maltese government will pay for the ship's repairs in an act of solidarity.

"We are very grateful for the solidarity shown to us. Malta looking to seek solution for all parties involved in this," the speakers said.

On this, they added that surveys of this kind are carried out to seek solutions to pending questions; this potentially includes finding concrete evidence to properly identify the attackers - something which they iterated "must be investigated."

"You cannot allow the bombing of a civilian ship to go unanswered," the speakers said while calling for increased accountability against Israel in barring the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, amongst other things.

They described that prior to being clearly told that the Maltese government truly wants to assist them and seek a solution to this arisen situation, members of the FFC had some concerns.

The representatives said that having been hit by this drone attack in international waters less than 72 hours ago, an attack which they iterated is a "horrible war crime," the crew is still in shock and has observed some potentially odd behaviours of nearby vessels at sea and in the sky as they floated in international waters.

Describing why they demanded the guarantee to be allowed to dock into Maltese ports, the FFC's speakers shared their safety concerns for the vessel and everyone still on board.

After noting that they don't think it is possible for any repairs to be conducted out in international waters, they said that the vessel is still not safe from the possibility that it will be attacked again.

"It was a miracle that no-one died on Friday," they said.

The speakers invited the people of Malta to welcome the Conscience boat as it enters Malta. A new flag was also requested for the boat, which was apparently de-flagged just seven hours before the drone attack took place, according to renowned activist Greta Thunberg, who was set to board the boat on Friday.

The FFC is hopeful that Maltese authorities will replace its ridden Palau flag, considering that the people on board the ship are fulfilling humanitarian obligations that align with the Maltese State's international missions.

Thunberg pleaded for citizens and activists worldwide to use every method available to use their voices, as united human beings, to stand up for what is right, express solidarity, and support Palestinian people.

"We see this attack as yet another example of how the aggressor knows no limit in how it wants to get what it wants," she said, "We are here because of Israel's inhumane actions."

Thunberg added that the international community has continued to display "nothing but impunity" through the complete disregarding of international law and human rights in this humanitarian crisis that has continued to plague Palestinians - including the 50,000+ identified Palestinians who have been killed through the war with Israel.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said in a statement on Sunday that it had received a very welcome update from the government of Malta, with a stated intent to provide logistical supports and potential repairs to our ship, the ‘Conscience’.

This came after Prime Minister Robert Abela on Sunday morning told journalists that Malta would carry out and pay for the necessary repairs to the vessel, which suffered an alleged drone attack in the early hours of Friday and currently sits just outside Maltese territorial waters, but only if and when a maritime surveyor is allowed onto the vessel.

In a statement, the group said that it it wanted to “reiterate our intent to be let into Malta, with the guarantee that our peaceful action to sail to Gaza will not be hindered in any way.” 

“When the ‘Conscience’ was initially approached by coast guards, they allegedly did not identify themselves, and took just under one hour before helping extinguish the fire on board. The crew signalled for help, where their radio signal was tampered with, creating further doubt,” the NGO said.

“The Malta Armed Forces had also encouraged them to abandon ship, meaning that legally, the ‘Conscience’ did not have any guarantees that our ship would remain safe, impeding agreements,” it added, likely referring to offers by the Maltese government for the crew and passengers to be rescued and brought ashore.

The FFC said it would like to clarify its commitment to engagement with the relevant authorities to expedite the temporary docking of its ship for repairs and surveyors, so its can continue on the urgent humanitarian mission to Gaza. 

Spokesperson for the FFC, Thiago Avila, on behalf of the over 20 nationalities of volunteer medics, educators, engineers, farmers, students, activists, social workers and community organizers presently in Malta- stated: “Today’s news is a very positive development. We look forward to dialogue and coordination with the Maltese authorities to be able to re-focus media and public attention where it needs to be; on Israel´s calculated genocide, deliberate famine and wholescale destruction in Gaza.”

FFC organizer and spokesperson, Yasemin Acar, stated: “Our mission is to mobilize global solidarity in the face of genocide in Gaza. For over 60 days, no humanitarian aid has entered by land, this crisis demands urgent international action. In the absence of political will, we remain committed to acting as global citizens. While we’re grateful for all support, every day without an investigation delays aid and denies justice. We have the right to know who attacked us and put humanitarian workers’ lives at risk.”

In the meantime, local NGO Moviment Graffitti cancelled a demonstration set to take place outside the Prime Minister’s office on Sunday evening, as it too welcomed the update.

“We thank the many people in Malta who are showing solidarity with this humanitarian mission and with the Palestinian people, who are currently experiencing genocide,” it said.

“We will continue to follow developments closely, while reiterating our demands that the Conscience be allowed to dock in Malta for repairs before continuing on its humanitarian mission, and that the Maltese Government condemn the drone attack on this humanitarian ship,” it added.