Ship’s log: A day on board the Global Sumud Flotilla heading for Gaza

Colombian journalist Mauricio Morales, who has covered the journey of the flotilla for Al Jazeera, describes a typical day at sea for the roughly 200 volunteers on board his boat as the Global Sumud Flotilla approaches Gaza.

7am

People start to scream as they search for news on their phones. The mission and the volunteers depend on Wi-Fi, which is common on most boats.

Those who slept on the floor the night before quickly retreat to the sofas or mattresses they rented in an effort to get some more rest. Other people go back from nighttime watch, spending the day looking out for Israeli drones or other larger vessels that the ship must avoid in order to prevent accidents.

Rest is important as rough seas and uncomfortable sleeping conditions become increasingly difficult for volunteers, the majority of whom have no prior maritime experience. The volunteers, who range in age from 24 to 73 and who represent around 14 nationalities, are paired up by the “buddy system” of the boat. The buddies regularly check on one another to make sure their partner is getting enough sleep and food and that the mission’s physical and emotional strains are being managed. Anxiety is always present on a boat with a dozen people on it, which is twice as many, and the vessel’s size is limited by the number of people on board.

9am

Breakfast is typically only a cup of coffee or tea, and food is rationed. However, when the conversation turns to food shortages, the thoughts quickly turn to the man-made famine in Gaza, where people die every day from hunger and others are killed waiting in line in the hope of getting food for their families.

The volunteers never lose sight of the mission’s purpose. On the boat’s deck, Omar, a 73-year-old Palestinian whose family was displaced during the Nakba, instructs students on the subject of Palestinian history. Although the accounts he shares reveal a sense of tragedy, his conviction and years of involvement in efforts to end Gaza’s siege make the sessions both informative and inspiring.

10am 

For the daily meeting, where updates are made and a headcount taken, volunteers and crew gather.

There are tasks and chores to be done. A cycle repeats itself after everyone completes a task or chore once in a rotation. Everyone is required to help with cleaning the decks and cabins, dishwashing, cooking, and cleaning the bathrooms. No disagreements exist, and everyone will follow their orders.

News also circulates. We stay up to date on developments like Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s threat to detainee the flotilla volunteers&nbsp as “terrorists” and place them in the same high-security cells where many Palestinians are detained without trial and tortured. The volunteers’ desire to spread the mission’s message to governments and civil society movements grows in urgency.

11am

Volunteers begin their responsibilities. Marcin, a 41-year-old Polish volunteer, has transformed into the unofficial handyman by making minor adjustments, fixing portholes, adjusting toilet seats, and refastening shelves. The sailors are assisted by other people spotting nearby ships, fishing nets, or drones.

The journalists on board prepare their reports while some volunteers interview journalists following the flotilla while others prepare their reports. Others find a quiet place to sleep or update social media with ship news.

2-3pm 

In case of a fire, a falling overboard, or the need to leave the ship, volunteers are taught what to do during training sessions. What to do if the ship is attacked or intercepted are other topics covered in other training sessions. If Israeli soldiers board, the volunteers are taught how to raise their hands, and the position should be quiet and non-threatening enough to give the soldiers a pretext to commit violence.

Some volunteers find the training to be a painful reminder of the very real threat of violence that might befall them. Before boarding the flotilla, training leaders in Barcelona shared previous experiences with the flotilla. All of the volunteers have agreed to adopting a non-violent response to attacks, as they stressed.

The only hot meal of the day served aboard the ship is being prepared by the cooking team.

Cooking for 12 people in a galley that is intended for 12 is no small feat. One of the main cooks is Kubra, a German national of Turkish descent. She is a prominent participant in the pro-Palestine movement in Germany, where she once spent 24 hours in police detention for demonstrating in support of Palestine.

5pm

The volunteers’ highlight of the day is the one hot meal. Some people prefer to eat together, while others prefer to find a quiet place to rest and unwind.

6pm

Volunteers on the ship’s deck discuss any issues that may arise during the day and work out any minor issues so that no tension arises between crew members.

8pm

Volunteers begin the night watch as they watch for Israeli drones and other vessels that might have an impact on the flotilla’s trajectory. They will keep watch until dawn.

10pm 

After Omar’s evening discussion about Palestinian history, volunteers discuss what it means when they speak about their experiences.

11pm 

Bed rotation begins. Volunteers prioritize the elderly or those with medical conditions because they only have beds and cushions.

Many others continue to adapt to the time zones of their home countries while working with the media. It can take a while to load content. The connection stutters between and out as there are so many online users.

12am

Some volunteers call friends and family for a nap or take advantage of a moment of silence before attempting to rest. Some simply sit back and quietly observe the Mediterranean from the ship’s portholes or the upper decks.

Source: Aljazeera