All aboard Gaza aid flotilla attacked by Israel confirmed safe, Malta government says

Everyone aboard an aid flotilla for Gaza that was attacked by Israeli drones in international waters off Malta overnight are "confirmed safe", the Maltese government said in a statement on Friday.

"The vessel had 12 crew members on board and four civilian passengers; no casualties were reported," the statement said, adding that a nearby tug had been directed to aid the vessel.

"The tug arrived on scene and began firefighting operations. By 1:28 am (23:28 GMT Thursday), the fire was reported under control. An Armed Forces of Malta patrol vessel was also dispatched to provide further assistance," the government said.

"By 2:13 am, all crew were confirmed safe but refused to board the tug ... The ship remains outside territorial waters and is being monitored by the competent authorities," the statement concluded.