Bring Back Global Sumud Flotilla's Boats
Flag States Must Act Now
Forty-two civilian boats, sailing under recognized national flags, were illegally intercepted by Israel in international waters. These vessels were carrying humanitarian cargo and citizens from over forty countries. Their seizure represents not only a violation of human rights but a direct challenge to international maritime law and the principle of freedom of navigation.
We are calling on the flag states of each vessel to uphold their legal and moral duty: to demand the immediate return of their boats, the release of all equipment and humanitarian cargo, and full accountability for the unlawful interference at sea.
What Does a Ship's Flag Mean?
A ship's flag signifies its nationality, a status that is both procedural and fundamental to international maritime law. By requiring seagoing vessels to be registered in a state and fly its flag, the global system grants the ship a critical legal identity.
This nationality establishes a reciprocal legal relationship: the flag state is obligated to protect the vessel diplomatically and militarily, and in return, the vessel is subject to that state's laws and jurisdiction at all times. This principle is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Consequently, in international waters, the flag state is responsible for exercising legal control.
The critical importance of this system is revealed by its absence: a ship without a flag is stateless. It enjoys no legal protection and can be inspected or seized by any nation, making the flag a vessel's essential passport to the world's oceans.
Why Flag States Must Act
The unlawful interception of these 42 vessels was not only an attack on civilians and their humanitarian mission; it was an affront to every state whose flag they carried. When a country fails to respond, it weakens the international order that protects all seafarers and humanitarian missions.
Flag states have both the right and the obligation to:
- File diplomatic protests and demand the return of their vessels and cargo.
- Seek restitution for damages and violations of maritime law.
- Coordinate with other states and international bodies to ensure such actions are not repeated.
This is not merely a political question; it is a legal duty. Upholding it defends the integrity of international law and safeguards every nation's freedom of navigation.
Our Immediate Demands
- Immediate return of all seized or diverted vessels and their humanitarian cargo.
- Release and safe passage for all detained civilian crew and participants.
- Official flag-state action through diplomatic protests and investigations.
- Restitution and guarantees of non-repetition, in accordance with international law.
Our Call to Action
These boats carried not only aid, but a message of humanity and justice. Their interception cannot go unanswered.
Every flag represents a nation's commitment to protect its people, uphold the law, and defend freedom at sea.
Now, that commitment is being tested.
DEMAND ACTION NOWSign the open letter urging governments to demand the return of their vessels.
Bring back our boats. Uphold the law. Protect your flag.
Every state has a duty. Every citizen has a voice. Together, we can ensure that international law—and the safety of civilians at sea—means something again.
The 42 Boats
Civilian vessels illegally seized in international waters
| Official Name | Symbolic Name | Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Mali – Dir Yassine | Deir Yassine |  |
| Adagio | Beit Hanoun |  |
| All In | Khan Yunis | |
| Catalina | Al Khalil |  |
| Allakatalla | Rafah |  |
| Aurora | Heidi sails to Gaza | |
| Fair Lady | Al Quds | |
| Maria Christina | Tulkarem | |
| MiaMia | Beit Sahur | |
| Morgana | Nuseirat | |
| Otaria | Bir al Sabe' | |
| Paola | Tabariyya | |
| Selvaggia | Beisan | |
| Amsterdam | Al Tantura |  |
| Donna Mohammad Bhar | - | |
| Elektra | Ahed Tamimi |  |
| Austral | Austral | |
| Captain Nikos | Akka | |
| Florida | Anas Al Sharif | |
| Free Willy | Tala - Gaza city | |
| Grande Blue | Ariha | |
| Hio | Beit Lahm | |
| Huga | Haifa | |
| Inana | Jenin | |
| Karma | Yafa | |
| Mango | Hind - Tel al Hawa - Gaza | |
| Marinette | Safad | |
| Mikeno | Al Bireh | |
| Nightlife - Oxygono | Osdood | |
| Enigma | Pavlos Fyssas - Tantura | |
| Seulle | Kaysariyah | |
| Spectre | Tabariya | |
| Blue Pearl | Vangelis Pissias - Asser & Ayssel | |
| Wahoo | Sham - Jabaliya - Gaza | |
| Adara | Beit Lahia |  |
| Estrella y Manuel | Al Lydd | |
| Jeannot III | Nablus | |
| Meteque | Qalqilya | |
| Yulara | Yata | |
| Alma | Deir al-Balah |  |
| Ohwayla | Al Sawafir | |
| Sirius | Askalan | |
Interception Data
The interception data represents the most accurate information currently available to the Global Sumud Flotilla. It is compiled from vessel tracking data, CCTV and onboard recordings, participant testimonies, and emergency alert records. In many cases, exact times and locations cannot be independently confirmed.
For boats that activated Garmin SOS alerts, the listed position reflects the GPS location at the time of the alert. For boats that did not, the last known tracker position is shown. Highlighted boats indicate limited or incomplete data. All locations and timestamps should be understood as estimates.