Skip to main content

Freedom Flotilla: What We Know About the Madleen and Its Interception

June 9, 2025 — The Madleen, a ship part of the Freedom Flotilla headed toward Gaza with humanitarian aid, was reportedly intercepted by Israeli forces during the night between June 8 and 9. Data gathered from technical sources, public posts, and official statements paint a troubling and evolving picture.

Last Known Position


According to available AIS data, the Madleen's last recorded position was at 22:16 UTC on June 8, 2025, with the following coordinates:

  • Latitude: 31.9755

  • Longitude: 32.2488

  • Speed: approximately 2.24 knots

No further updates have been received since, suggesting either a deliberate transponder shutdown or a loss of tracking signal.

Social Media Alerts

Journalist and activist Rima Hassan, aboard the ship, began posting hourly updates on X/Twitter to signal that the crew still had internet access and were safe. Her final known post was at 01:12 AM on June 9.

Shortly afterward, the thread went silent. Between 00:00 and 02:00, several alarming events were reported:

  • The presence of quadrotor drones flying over the ship, allegedly Israeli.

  • The release of a white liquid onto the vessel, which alarmed the crew.

  • A call for the crew to take cover.

Hypotheses About the White Liquid


The nature and purpose of the white liquid remain unknown, but several hypotheses are being considered:

  • IR (infrared) marker: to enable night-time targeting with infrared scopes.

  • Sensor blinding agent: to hinder onboard cameras or civilian drone optics.

  • Psychological tactic: to confuse or intimidate the crew prior to a raid.

No official statement has confirmed the nature or intent behind the substance.

Israeli Intervention and Arrests


According to a press release by the French political movement La France Insoumise, 12 humanitarian workers and activists were arrested by Israeli forces in international waters, including:

  • Rima Hassan, French Member of the European Parliament

  • Greta Thunberg, Swedish climate activist

The statement condemns Israel's actions as a violation of international law and demands the immediate release of those detained, denouncing the raid as an attack on humanitarian solidarity.

International Reactions

The incident has sparked strong reactions across Europe and worldwide. Demonstrations have been announced in various cities, including Paris, where a vigil will take place on June 9 at 6:00 PM in Place de la République.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Distress Alert: Sailing Vessel Kiliki Overdue and in Need of Assistance

UPDATE:  The crew members were rescued.
Post a Comment
Read more

The Dramatic Ordeal of M/V CHRISTINA DEBORA: From Mechanical Failure to Abandonment in the Mid-Atlantic

In June 2025, the standby safety vessel CHRISTINA DEBORA , 38.77 meters in length, experienced a maritime emergency that culminated in its abandonment in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after drifting powerless for more than two weeks. The vessel had been sold and reflagged to Zanzibar either shortly before or just after leaving South Africa. The Beginning of the Crisis – June 8, 2025 The ordeal began on Sunday, June 8, when CHRISTINA DEBORA , navigating approximately 300 nautical miles northwest of St. Helena Island, suffered a major clutch failure, completely losing propulsion. Seven crew members were onboard at the time. The distress call was officially reported by MRCC NATAL on June 11: the vessel was adrift and urgently required clutch repair parts as well as potable water. Captain Victor managed to contact Johnny Clingham, the administrator of the Facebook group “St Helena’s Talk Group,” who verified the authenticity of the request and informed the wider maritime community. ...
2 comments
Read more

Tragedy in the Mozambique Channel: What Is Known About the Deaths of Sailors Deirdre Sibly and Pascal Mahe

1 December 2025 — International authorities are investigating the deaths of Australian sailor Deirdre Sibly , 67, and French sailor Pascal Mahe , who were found dead aboard their yacht in the Mozambique Channel after issuing a distress signal. Although the circumstances remain unclear, several key facts have been confirmed. Deirdre Sibly, an experienced sailor from Port Lincoln, South Australia, had been at sea for nearly four decades. She had been travelling for several months aboard the French-registered yacht Acteon , accompanied by French sailor Pascal Mahe. The two reportedly met on Réunion Island and had been planning a passage across the Indian Ocean. Their most recent route led them from Réunion towards Durban, South Africa , where Sibly intended to catch a flight back to Australia. The distress signal 🚨 #MAYDAY RELAY 🚨 Sailboat #ACTEON issued a DSC distress call on 26 Nov at 0430 UTC (17°05.00S / 040°05.00E). Two persons onboard, but no signs of life reported since. A...
Post a Comment
Read more