People on an aid flotilla for Gaza that was hit by drones in international waters off Malta overnight are “confirmed safe”, according to the Maltese government, Al Jazeera reports.

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

“The tug arrived on scene and began firefighting operations. By 1:28am (4:28 am PKT 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 2:13am (5:13am PKT), 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.