The Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza said on Tuesday that one of its main boats was struck by a drone in Tunisian waters, though all six passengers and crew are safe.
Tunisian authorities said the explosion originated inside the vessel, and Tunisia's National Guard spokesperson told Mosaique FM radio that reports of a drone attack on the flotilla "have no basis in truth".
The Portuguese-flagged boat, carrying the flotilla's steering committee, sustained fire damage to its main deck and below-deck storage, the GSF said in a statement.
The flotilla is an international initiative seeking to deliver symbolic quantities of humanitarian aid to Gaza via civilian boats supported by delegations from 44 countries.
After the strike, dozens of people gathered outside Tunisia's Sidi Bou Said port, where the flotilla's boats were docked, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free Palestine," a Reuters witness said.
