Freedom Flotilla II: Canadian boat to Gaza seized by Greek Coastguard

Peace Movement Aotearoa

5 July 2011

We received word from Harmeet Sooden, one of the New Zealanders on board the Tahrir (Canadian Boat to Gaza), early this morning indicating that the ship had left port in Greece to begin the journey to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Tahrir was intercepted approximately 3 miles from shore by a Greek coastguard vessel, boarded and forced to return to port. No-one was harmed during this incident.

We understand from subsequent reports that the Tahrir is taking on water and a diesel tank was damaged when the ship was slammed into a concrete wall when being forced back into port.

Further updates will be added to the 'media and updates' section of the Canadian Boat to Gaza Aotearoa New Zealand page at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/cb2g.htm throughout the day as they come to hand.

For the moment, here are some links to more information and some photos of the Tahrir and passengers:

* Canadian Boat to Gaza site - http://www.tahrir.ca/en/

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