Bad Weather Delays Global Sumud Fleet in Turkish Waters
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, ANTALYA – The Global Sumud fleet is still docked in Turkish waters and near the Greek border awaiting improved weather conditions. As of Saturday evening (16 May 2026), the 54 humanitarian ships have not weighed anchor to continue their journey to Gaza, Palestine.
The cloudy weather and strong winds have caused high waves, forcing the humanitarian ships to remain overnight in Antalya Bay and around the Kastellorizo islands.
In Antalya Bay, approximately 30 ships are still anchored. Republika journalist, Bambang Noroyono, is aboard the Boralize, one of them. The ship carries nine participants, including two from Malaysia, one from France, and five from Turkey.
The Boralize has been anchored in Antalya Bay since midnight on Friday (15 May 2026).
Meanwhile, another Republika journalist, Thoudy Badai, who is aboard the Ozgurluk, is located in the islands between Turkey and Greece. All ships have chosen to anchor in the bay area to shelter from the storm and strong winds that have been affecting the Mediterranean waters since Thursday evening (14 May 2026), a few hours after the 54 ships set sail simultaneously towards Gaza from Albatros Dock, Marmaris, southern Turkey.
The Sumud fleet braving the bad weather has caused almost all participants to experience seasickness. The participants of the voyage, who claim to be professionals in the maritime field, also acknowledged that the weather and high waves from Thursday to Friday were dangerous for the continuation of the mission.
Therefore, the entire fleet was directed to seek shelter. While anchored in Antalya Bay, the participants cooperated in many ways, starting from arranging ship-watching schedules, cleaning the fleet, to repairing various damages on their respective ships.
Some ships did experience minor damage to sails and engines. Communication equipment also experienced some problems, but these were anticipated. The participants also helped each other with logistics by cooking and delivering certain foods. Some of the participants, especially those from Europe who prefer a vegetarian lifestyle, are still being served by other participants by sharing vegan food.
Meanwhile, none of the other participants lacked food or drinks.