Tunisian authorities have dismissed claims that a Gaza-bound aid vessel was struck by a drone near the country’s coast, contradicting accounts from crew members who reported an attack.

The boat, named Family, was part of the Sumud Flotilla carrying international activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, when it suffered an explosion. Crew members alleged the blast came from a drone strike.

Officials in Tunis firmly rejected those claims, stating that no drone activity was detected in the area. Instead, they said initial evidence indicates the explosion was caused by an internal malfunction aboard the vessel.

The incident has fueled controversy, with activists insisting their boat was deliberately targeted, while Tunisian authorities stress the need to avoid spreading “false or unverified information.” Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the blast.