ATHENS: A vessel organized by an international activist coalition to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza has rescued several migrants from the sea near Crete, a support group in Greece said on Friday. The Madleen, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, said it had received a distress signal from a boat in the Mediterranean, forcing it to change course off the coast of Crete. The Madleen has “a 12-member crew of peaceful activists” headed for Gaza “with the aim of breaking the blockade of Palestine by the state of Israel,” the March to Gaza Greece group said.

An activist on board the Madleen has issued a 'new alert', claiming that the vessel is being followed by a drone, according to footage shared on social media.

The 12-person crew, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, is expected to reach Gaza on June 7.