Mediterranean winds of 30 knots delayed the Global Sumud Flotilla as organizers said safety must come first.
(Sept. 1, 2025 / JNS) A Gaza-bound flotilla of dozens of boats, including one carrying Swedish anti-Israel activist Greta Thunberg, was forced to turn back to port in Barcelona due to stormy weather, organizers said on Monday.
The Global Sumud (“steadfastness” in Arabic) Flotilla posted a statement to its Telegram channel that mission departure was “delayed to prioritize safety amid strong Mediterranean winds.”
“We conducted a sea trial and then returned to port to allow the storm to pass. This meant delaying our departure to avoid risking complications with the smaller boats,” adding that the vessels were facing 30 knot winds (35 mph, or 56 kph).