The Sumud Nusantara Flotilla command centre confirmed that contact was lost with 12 Malaysians on five vessels after Israeli forces intercepted their ships late last night (Gaza time).
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) was less than 80 nautical miles (148km) from Gaza when more than 20 Israeli naval vessels closed in, ordering the convoy to change course. Activists said the manoeuvre was aimed at enforcing a blockade.
Command centre director general Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim said a red alert was issued at 01:34 today, just before the Alma entered Level 2 of the ‘red zone’ near the Gaza coastline.
Malaysian humanitarian volunteer and actress Ardell Aryana, on board one of the vessels, said there were moments of sheer terror as they came under Israeli attack. In a live SOS broadcast, she said her team was left drenched and freezing amid strong winds and rough seas.
Produced by: NST Online
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