The Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel that was damaged in a "drone attack" near Malta last week has "damages which require minor repairs so that the vessel can sail to its next destination," a surveyor appointed by the government found.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said on Friday that its vessel, The Conscience, was the victim of a drone attack just outside Maltese territorial waters in the early hours of Friday morning. They said the vessel was set to pick up activists from Malta in order to make a humanitarian run into Gaza, defying an Israeli blockade.

"In line with the commitment given by Prime Minister Robert Abela, a maritime surveyor was sent aboard the vessel 'Conscience'. This after the vessel's captain accepted for the surveyor to board the ship and carry out an inspection outside of Malta's territorial waters," the government said in a statement on Tuesday.

The government said that the "survey carried out by the maritime surveyor found that the vessel has damages which require minor repairs so that the vessel can sail to its next destination. The marine surveyor reported that a number of compartments, including the ship's hull and engine room were found in good or satisfactory condition and free from water ingress. He also said that most of the important equipment on the vessel: such as the two main engines, the two generators, the bow thrust and the fire extinguishers were operational." 

During his inspection the maritime surveyor only found the provision of food and drink for crew members for about 30 days, the government added. "The captain indicated that a limited part of the food and drink supplies were for humanitarian purposes. A fuel storage of around 32 tonnes was also found." 

The Government said that it will be carrying out repairs which require immediate attention so that the vessel sails to its next destination. "These repairs will be carried out at the current position where the vessel is anchored. This after the maritime surveyor ascertained that it is possible to carry such repairs in the said position, i.e. outside Malta's territorial waters."

A government spokesperson clarified that the repairs will be carried out at the State's expense.

The update did not include any information as to whether the government can officially state what caused the damage on the ship. The government has not said what it believes the cause was, despite the Freedom Flotilla Coalition having said it was a drone strike.