Overview

• Organizers announced 42 boats left the rada off Portopalo di Capo Passero, with six additional vessels reported to be sailing from Greece.
• Crews described lingering constraints including equipment failures, scarce freshwater and too few small craft for transfers before departure.
• Local fishermen and residents around Portopalo provided transport and supplies to crews, sometimes for payment, as preparations dragged on.
• Reports conflict on Greta Thunberg’s status after she quit the steering committee, with one account placing her still in Siracusa due to a technical fault on the boat Alma and another saying she remains aboard that vessel supporting the mission.
• Israeli officials say they are preparing to intercept the flotilla and suggest participants with diplomatic protection could face expulsion while those deemed tied to terrorist groups could be detained and prosecuted.