As the world’s most iconic—and polarizing—climate activist, Greta Thunberg documents her “Titanic-like” moments aboard the Barcarole, a boat renamed Madleen by its crew, Israel’s IDF has confirmed she will not be allowed to dock in Gaza. While Israeli authorities reportedly considered allowing the vessel to land, they ultimately declined, fearing it would set a precedent that could be replicated by others.
Related: Was Greta Thunberg kidnapped by the IDF?
The IDF spokesperson desk told Green Prophet: “The IDF enforces the security naval blockade on the Gaza Strip and is prepared for a wide range of scenarios, which it will act upon in accordance with the directives of the political echelon.”
Green Prophet tracked down the phone number listed as the “owner” of the boat, the Barcarole, not the Madleen as it’s painted on the boat. Our intern reporter Max Izaks called the number and a man picked up who didn’t seem to understand English. He said he was not on the boat.
“He sounded confused and I tried asking him a bunch of quick questions and he didn’t really know what I meant. He sounded Middle Eastern maybe,” says Izaks.
The single boat carrying 12 crew members departed from Catania, Sicily, on June 2, aiming to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver much-needed medical aid. Despite its lone status, the mission is being referred to as a “Freedom Flotilla” by supporters. Listed in maritime records as Barcarole, the British-flagged, Dutch-built schooner is typically docked in Lac du Bois de la Cambre, Belgium. The schooner was built in 1974.
A photo taken en route today by an Artur Skipper, shows the sails down, suggested the sail boat is cruising by diesel engine.
The 18-meter-long schooner, built by VAN DAM NORDIA in the Netherlands, is powered by a 170 hp Ecotec diesel engine and cruises at about 5.6 knots (approximately 10.4 km/h). While it can sail, the vessel reportedly relies on engine power when wind is absent. It is equipped with modern amenities including air conditioning and a television.
Israeli military officials expect the boat to arrive within a week. At least one of the activists on board has previously been denied entry into Israel. According to a statement published in Hebrew media, the IDF plans to intercept the vessel and escort it to the Port of Ashdod, where the activists will likely be apprehended and deported. Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to make final decisions later this week.
“The IDF is prepared to operate on all fronts, including the maritime arena,” said Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin. “We will act accordingly.”
The UK, whose flag the Barcarole flies, maintains a diplomatic mission in Israel and supports cultural exchange programs between the two nations. If the boat is found to be violating maritime law or bilateral agreements, this could potentially spark a diplomatic dispute.
Green Prophet tried calling the number listed as the cell phone link to the boat, but the person who picked up said he was not on the flotilla.
Carbon Footprint of the Voyage
Assuming the boat runs under continuous engine power with no use of sails, the estimated carbon emissions for the voyage from Catania to Gaza—approximately 1,050 nautical miles—would total 17.1 metric tons of CO₂. This assumes 6,375 liters of diesel consumed over 7.8 days of travel at 5.6 knots.
Factoring in a 15% deviation for weather routing and a 10% increase for hotel load (e.g., air conditioning and electronics), total emissions rise to approximately 20.7 metric tons of CO₂—equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of two average Europeans.
It is assumed the bilge of the boat is emptied into the sea.
Who is onboard the Freedom Flotilla and what are their nationalities?
There are 12 activists on board the Barcarole/Madleen:
- Greta Thunberg – Swedish climate activist
- Rima Hassan – French-Palestinian Member of European Parliament (recently denied entry to Israel at Ben Gurion Airport)
- Yasemin Acar – Germany
- Baptiste Andre – France
- Thiago Avila – Brazil
- Omar Faiad – France
- Pascal Maurieras – France
- Yanis Mhamdi – France
- Suayb Ordu – Turkiye
- Sergio Toribio – Spain
- Marco van Rennes – The Netherlands
- Reva Viard – France
Update: June 9, Greta Thunberg claims she is “kidnapped” by the Israeli authorities
Belgian reader notes that the location of the schooner cannot possibly be docked at Lac du Bois de la Cambre, Belgium. As it is too small too hold such a boat. He suggests the brunch on the island, however: Chalet Robinson.
