Akdeniz

The 'Akzdeniz', aimed to sail from Turkey to Gaza with humanitarian aid have been denied the right to sail. On the afternoon of April 25, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition was contacted by the Guinea Bissau International Ships Registry (GBISR), requesting an inspection of the 'Akdenez', altihough the ship had already passed all required inspections. The inspector arrived on the evening. On afternoon of April 26, before the inspection was completed, the GBISR, in a blatantly political move, informed the Freedom Flotilla Coalition that it had withdrawn the Guinea Bissau flag from two of the Freedom Flotilla’s ships, one of which the cargo ship, already loaded with over 5000 tons of life-saving aid for the Palestinians of Gaza. The 'Akdeniz' remained stationary in Tuzla as of April 29. Report with photo: https://thehill.com/policy/international/4626240-gaza-humanitarian-aid-ships-turkey-denied-right-sail-flags-removed/

The Turkish NGO IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation has decided to acquire three ships and launch a relief convoy to Gaza. The IHH currently operates relief voyages from Turkey to Egypt for cross-border transport into Gaza, but this new mission is advertised as an all-water route. The IHH has acquired three vessels for its "Freedom Flotilla," reflagged them and changed their names. It is planning to depart for Gaza by the end of April with the freighter 'Anadolu' (ex 'Dalya H'), the passenger vessel 'Vicdan' (ex 'The Majestic', 'Kloar Kimming) and the 'Akdeniz' (ex 'Prince'), actually berthed at the Desan Yardgem United Shipyards in Tuzla. The NGO has launched a fundraising appeal to help pay for the vessels and their cargo.