The Irish ship, MV Rachel Corrie, was tampered with by the Israeli Defense Forces according to Colonel Itzik Turgeman.
The Rachel Corrie was planned to be the first ship to arrive into Gazan waters last weekend but was delayed due to mechanical problems now suspected to be a form of sabotage.
An Israel newspaper reported “A senior officer in the Israel Defence Forces hinted that the IDF sabotaged the engines of five ships, saying “they took care of them.” The Colonel also told the newspaper that the army decided not to sabotage the Turkish ferry, Mavi Mamara which was attacked on Monday.
Currently the Rachel Corrie is in a holding position in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. According to, Free Gaza Movement’s, Greta Berlin the Rachel Corrie is waiting for the Challenger II ship, which was damaged during the attacks.
The Rachel Corrie will pick up more passengers, including human rights activists and journalists, before continuing their journey toward Gaza.
Perdana Global Peace Organisation (PGPO) chairman, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is representing the six Malaysian passengers on board the Rachel Corrie, said “the ship was going to sail through Gaza waters and it had nothing to do with Israel.
“They are not going to Israeli waters. Why is it that these Israelis are going to block people going towards Gaza and not using Israeli’s territorial waters at all? They have no right.”
Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen has already said that there will be “serious consequences” if any harm comes to the Irish passengers on board.
Niamh Moloughney, who organized the ships sailing from Ireland, said “I’d say the mood on board is resilient and steadfast. When people signed up to this they knew what might happen… We expected we would be confronted and there would be a stand-off, but no one expected this. But there’s never really been a question of the boat turning back.”
Denis Halliday, one of the crew members on board, originally from Galway, said that he had spoken to Irish Foreign Minister, Micheál Martin and the crew felt encouraged by the international support they are receiving.
“He was very reassuring that the government was behind us and he gave us a complete green light to do what we’re doing and he’ll protect us as much as he can,” siad Halliday.
Over Tuesday morning there have also been reports of the launch of Turkish naval escorts for additional humanitarian sailings and an Egyptian border crossing. The is no direct information to show that the Turkish ships will support the Rachel Corrie and it is believed that the Egyptian’s opening their border is simply a way of demonstrating their outrage at the situation.
The 1,200-metric ton boat is carrying five Irish, six Malaysians and “medical equipment, wheel chairs, school supplies and cement” all of which had already been inspected for contraband before leaving Dundalk, Ireland.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.shuvonn | Jun 08, 2010, 07:01 PM EDT
And your problem with that would BE? Turkey IS an ally of Israel...
peterson | Jun 06, 2010, 07:52 PM EDT
It would be interesting to find out whose FLAG was flying on the Irish ship stopped by Irael. All ships were reported to have been flying the TURKISH flag !!
linqingshan | Jun 05, 2010, 09:42 AM EDT
hgkhkh
Maritimer | Jun 04, 2010, 04:30 PM EDT
Hi Manness, I wish you were right about world peace and this not being a religious matter. I'm afraid that you're dead wrong as things stand here right now. Most of the Christian Arabs have moved out chiefly to the US because of persecution from their Muslim brothers and that has taken a level of moderation out of the community. They make perfect citizens because they have the same thought process as Europeans however followers of Allah have no desire to integrate but to impose their 7th century slavery on women. I think the perfect solution would be have a flotilla of Muslim Hamas activists sent to Ireland and for you to have them for neighbors. How quickly your attitude would change especially when you start getting incoming ordinance.
manness | Jun 04, 2010, 03:54 PM EDT
hey maritimer......its not an issue of religions......there are christians, muslims and jews living in the land of palestine.......its the issue of humanitarian.....i bet you are kind of anti social person......just remember that we're all live as community......world peace community.......extending hands to the needy.......and what's wrong for being nice to each other yeah.....
FlaIrishLad | Jun 04, 2010, 03:50 PM EDT
First, I have an extensive Irish background - have worked on numerous political issues in N.Ireland, especially, over the past 15 years. In EVERY instance, I have seen, with out fail, Ireland and N. Ireland, nationalists/republicans wholehearted against Israel and always for the Palestinians (note: I am republican). This goes not only for Ireland but also Irish-American organiztions. Personally, I feel this goes back to the days of gun running for the IRA where there was much contact between like-minded philosophies with the likes of Lybia, Palestinians, etc. and a disdain for any former link with British rule. There is no arguing with these groups, especially, the Irish who are fanitical to a point about Palestinian support. I gave up long ago trying to understand. I hope the IDF stops the Irish ship peacefully if possible, however, if that can't be done, then with as little force as possible. The Israelis have the right to this blockade and more power to them!
shuvonn | Jun 04, 2010, 02:57 PM EDT
Ireland has the right to ask safe passage for it's citizens, and he has the right to ask Obama's help in that. And IF an Irish citizen dies at the hands of IDF, I do not think that Cowen will be watering down or tempering his reaction to it like the US made the UN did in its request that israel is ignoring to have an INDEPENDENT inquiry into the incident.
Maritimer | Jun 04, 2010, 02:38 PM EDT
Well it should be interesting to see how things turn out. Your Prime Minister is crying on the phone to Obama to protect the Rachel Corrie from Israeli interception who is in turn calling Israel asking for concessions. Hopefully there won't be another Irish saint in the near future by the name of St. Corrie, Christian saint of Immaculate Passage:)
shuvonn | Jun 04, 2010, 02:01 PM EDT
There was NO contraband, NONE was found you are the one who is racist telling us that Irish people need to stick to potatoes. Military operations are subject to a different law of proportionality. The flotilla aid boats set sail in accordance of the customs act and as such were subject to being allowed to pass under the concept of *Innocent Passage* Under which vessels are granted safe passage through territorial waters in a manner in which is not prejudicial to the peace good order and safety of the state. So according to the convention on the law of the sea, Israel was NOT entitled to launch a military operation against the boats and activists. That flotilla meets the requirements to be given safe passage because it was for the purpose of rendering assistance to people in distress. San Remo does not apply in this case. The did NOT resist visit, no visit was asked for, and dropping from helicopters in full commado gear, with masks and carrying machine guns with masks on was no way to conduct a search, so it is to YOU I wish a good day :-)
dan Breen | Jun 04, 2010, 09:51 AM EDT
Israel jews suck !
Maritimer | Jun 04, 2010, 07:58 AM EDT
Oh shuvonn, what a sensitive creature you are. Who would have thought that you have made your bed with Islamic extremists that seek to destroy Israel. You lady are the racist one. You seek to invade sovereign territory of another nation. Now for your enlightenment I referr you to a legal passage that covers you assertation that boats cannot be boarded in international waters: According to the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea, 12 June 1994: SECTION V : NEUTRAL MERCHANT VESSELS AND CIVIL AIRCRAFT Neutral merchant vessels 67. Merchant vessels flying the flag of neutral States may not be attacked unless they: (a) are believed on reasonable grounds to be carrying contraband or breaching a blockade, and after prior warning they intentionally and clearly refuse to stop, or intentionally and clearly resist visit, search or capture; Have a good day!
abceehan | Jun 03, 2010, 10:37 PM EDT
Glad to see it takes the real Irish to stand up to America's overlord. To name the ship after a courageous American shows how Ireland has class.
gregwb57 | Jun 03, 2010, 09:21 PM EDT
Oh please give the BS a break!
shuvonn | Jun 03, 2010, 09:01 PM EDT
I HAVE spent time in the ME. And I KNOW the gravity of the situation.I know maritime law, and what is ILLEGAL when in INTERNATIONAL WATERS. Your racist comments show your TRUE leanings here, do NOT tell ME what to stick to, I have the right to an opinion like YOU do, and I do not make personal attacks on you for your veiled threats on Ireland or Turkey. You really SHOULD be careful when you make threats like that on a computer, do NOT think you cannot be traced, apparently you do not care for FREE SPEECH or DEMOCRACY. OR it that just OKAY when it's Israels FREE SPEECH? Oh and it's WHISKEY, and we showed the world how to make it :-) We do not want YOUR kind in Ireland, telling US to stick to potatoes, that is racist garbage the world should be done with that kind of stuff now and yet it continues.....HOW SAD.
Maritimer | Jun 03, 2010, 06:06 PM EDT
Fine, I'll come to Ireland and teach you how to make wiskey!
Ratslayer | Jun 03, 2010, 05:51 PM EDT
Maritimer, classy racist comment about the Irish. Gee, I can only imagine what racist crap you say about Arabs and Iranians. Keep up the tough-guy Nazi crazy talk -- it's yer (and yer nation's) funeral.
Maritimer | Jun 03, 2010, 04:53 PM EDT
It's obvious from your comments shuvonn that you have little or no concept of the gravity of this situation. Obviously you have never spent any time in the middle east and know little of history, culture or mindset of the area and, yes I have lived there fow a long time and have friends in both camps. Stick to raising potatoes, it's safer and more in tune with your mindset.
shuvonn | Jun 03, 2010, 04:35 PM EDT
Oh really ? Israel has NEVER admitted that it has nukes, SO YOU SAY THEY DO? HOW DO YOU KNOW THIS CLASSIFIED INFO? Israel thinks that ONLY other countries have to do admit they do. How is it that it is acceptable for Israel to protect its citizens yet Ireland or any other country cannot? It's not nice to have subs with nukes ( as per YOUR claim ) off the coast of your ALLY (did you not KNOW Turkey was the ONLY ally Israel has in the ME??) How is Brian Cowen the taoiseach of Ireland asking for the safety of his citizens out to destroy Israel? BIG LEAP there BOYO. Who in their right mind representing their own country does not have the safety of their citizens at the forefront of their priorities? I suppose making threats against Turkey and Ireland makes YOU feel like a BIG man at your computer? Israel is NOT the only country in the world that deserves the safety of its citizens. HOW DARE YOU MAKE THREATS against Ireland.
Maritimer | Jun 03, 2010, 04:20 PM EDT
Brian Cowen has no idea what he is getting Ireland involved in. Unless Ireland has recently acquired nuclear weapons, he had better his mouth shut. At the present time, Israel has 3 subs with nuclear arms sitting off the coast of Iran and I would venture a guess that anothe one is getting pretty close to Turkey right about now. Brian Cowen, in the eyes of Israelies, is looked at as a supporter of Hamas/PLO sworn to destroy Israel. You don't want to have Isreal for an enemy believe me. If her survival is at stake, she will not hesitate to eliminate any nation who work against her interests.
Southernpride | Jun 03, 2010, 04:05 PM EDT
Israel kicks ass
shuvonn | Jun 03, 2010, 03:57 PM EDT
The Knesset argued that the Palestinian plan to boycott the goods from the illegal settlements in Israel was like declaring war. Why would you buy goods from illegal settlements on Palestinian land? It is like tacitly accepting them IF you purchase their goods, watch the high notes of indignation that arise from your suggestion of a boycott of Israeli goods. The US does not have the balls to come out they are tacitly accepting the rogue behavior of Israel.
AndreaLynne | Jun 03, 2010, 02:59 PM EDT
I think the Israeli's need to be given a resounding "STOP!!!," given the offensive nature of this act. The world might do well to blockade Israel, not allowing them to receive or send goods to other countries. They are going to find themselves violently corrected if some more peaceful action is not taken. With a blockade against them, they can see what it's like to need humanitarian aide. The U.S. needs to come out firmly against this egregious act by Israel's military.
AlunPalmer | Jun 03, 2010, 01:40 PM EDT
Mr. Cowen said serious diplomatic consequences. That would mean kicking the Israeli ambassador's a*** out of Ireland.
AlunPalmer | Jun 03, 2010, 01:39 PM EDT
I meant to say kicking, not licking. Quite the opposite meaning. The other thing would be what the Americans are doing.
AlunPalmer | Jun 03, 2010, 01:38 PM EDT
Mr. Cowen said serious diplomatic consequences. That would mean licking the Israeli ambassadors a*** out of Ireland.
crazychicken | Jun 03, 2010, 10:44 AM EDT
I wish them GODSPEED. It takes a whole lot of nerve and dedication to: "WALK IN THE VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH" carrying not even a fly swatter.
Irishstevo768 | Jun 03, 2010, 09:59 AM EDT
Brian cowen has said that there will be “serious consequences” what does this meen
eirenan | Jun 02, 2010, 10:24 PM EDT
israel hates that name....Rachel Corrie....thought they buried her years ago..she is coming back to haunt them...love it
DennisQ | Jun 02, 2010, 05:36 PM EDT
The rules that apply to other countries in the world don't appear to apply to Israel. Mossad agents use Irish passports to enter Dubai to assassinate a Hamas leader. Commandos board a Turkish vessel on the high seas and shoot anyone who resists. If exceptions apply to Israel, they'd apply to everyone else. There'd be no law of the sea at all; there'd just be anarchy.
shuvonn | Jun 02, 2010, 04:12 PM EDT
Former US ambassador Edward Peck was aboard one of the vessels and is not surprised that the allegations are now flying that some of the individuals in the flotilla had terrorist ties. And the landing parties all were armed with machine guns contrary to what was being said, looks like some of the video footage was tampered with also. What is being claimed by Israel was not what HE experienced..
shuvonn | Jun 02, 2010, 04:10 PM EDT
Former
AnderwRutheford | Jun 02, 2010, 03:26 PM EDT
PHPEARSE, you are a sick individual
PHPEARSE | Jun 02, 2010, 03:09 PM EDT
I say--nominate the crew of this ship for the Nobel Peace Prize. "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
PHPEARSE | Jun 02, 2010, 02:58 PM EDT
The problem about turning the relief supplies over to the Israelis is that they would probably steal them.
shuvonn | Jun 02, 2010, 02:43 PM EDT
You are not correct in your allegtions AnderwRutherford, a senior member of the IDF stated in the Jerusalem Post that there were NO weapons on board ANY of the ships. And they had all been inspected except ONE so far. Are you saying the IDF lie? Heaven Forbid.... Turkey was the ONE ally in the Middle East of Israel in fact they did tactical training together, although those joint exercises have been canceled and diplomatic relations could be damaged beyond repair after this. I believe Israel will miss having Turkey on it's side.
AnderwRutheford | Jun 02, 2010, 01:22 PM EDT
o.k, let's see what last flotilla has brought to Gaza - Knifes, axes, chains, rods, and invalid medicine... Maybe intentions of Rachel Corrie are better than those of terror supporters from Turkey, but why bother? For radical Muslims from Gaza who won't spit for no one's direction?!