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'''''MV Rachel Corrie''''' is a 499 GT [[coastal trading vessel|coaster]] owned and operated by the [[Ireland|Irish]] arm of the [[Free Gaza Movement]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/01/irish-aid-boat-gaza-israel-warning |title=Irish aid boat holds course towards Gaza despite Israel warning |author=Peter Walker |date=2010-06-01 |publisher=The Guardian |accessdate=2010-06-01}}</ref> The ship is named in honour of [[Rachel Corrie]], a former member of the [[International Solidarity Movement]]. It was originally called '''''Carsten''''' and has also carried the names '''''Norasia Attika''''' and '''''Manya'''''.
'''''MV Rachel Corrie''''' is a 499 GT [[coastal trading vessel|coaster]] owned and operated by the [[Ireland|Irish]] arm of the [[Free Gaza Movement]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/01/irish-aid-boat-gaza-israel-warning |title=Irish aid boat holds course towards Gaza despite Israel warning |author=Peter Walker |date=2010-06-01 |publisher=The Guardian |accessdate=2010-06-01}}</ref> The ship is named in honour of [[Rachel Corrie]], a former member of the [[International Solidarity Movement]]. It was originally called '''''Carsten''''' and has also carried the names '''''Norasia Attika''''' and '''''Manya'''''.


In June 2010 the vessel was intercepted by [[Israeli Defence Forces]] while attempting to break the Israeli [[blockade of the Gaza Strip]] and bring in humanitarian aid.<ref>Berger, Robert. [http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/Intercepted-Aid-Ship-Arrives-in-Israeli-Port-95686204.html Israeli Navy Intercepts Aid Ship Headed for Gaza.] ''Voice of America.'' 5 June 2010.</ref> The mission was partially funded by the [[Malaysia]]n Perdana Global Peace Organisation.
In June 2010 the vessel was intercepted by [[Israeli Defence Forces]] while attempting to break the Israeli [[blockade of the Gaza Strip]] and bring in humanitarian aid.<ref>Berger, Robert. [http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/Intercepted-Aid-Ship-Arrives-in-Israeli-Port-95686204.html Israeli Navy Intercepts Aid Ship Headed for Gaza.] ''Voice of America.'' 5 June 2010.</ref> The mission was partially funded by the [[Malaysia]]n [http://www.perdana4peace.org/ Perdana Global Peace Organisation]].


==Description==
==Description==
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It was renamed in honour of [[Rachel Corrie]], an [[United States|American]] college student crushed to death by an Israeli army bulldozer while protesting house demolitions in Gaza.<ref name="Businessweek New aid ship">{{cite news|publisher=Associated Press|last1=Hadjicostis|first1=Menelaos|last2=Rising|first2=David|title=New aid ship heads to Gaza, Israel vows to stop it|date=June 4, 2010|url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9G4F1M00.htm|accessdate=June 5, 2010}}</ref> The vessel was launched on 12 May 2010 from Dundalk.<ref>Elaine Keogh, [http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0331/1224267398504.html €70,000 from auctioned ship to go to unpaid crew], [[Irish Times]], 31 March 2010</ref><ref>Isabel Hurley, [http://www.independent.ie/national-news/abandoned-ship-to-set-sail-with-gaza-aid-2118118.html Abandoned ship to set sail with Gaza aid], [[Irish Independent]], 31 March 2010</ref>
It was renamed in honour of [[Rachel Corrie]], an [[United States|American]] college student crushed to death by an Israeli army bulldozer while protesting house demolitions in Gaza.<ref name="Businessweek New aid ship">{{cite news|publisher=Associated Press|last1=Hadjicostis|first1=Menelaos|last2=Rising|first2=David|title=New aid ship heads to Gaza, Israel vows to stop it|date=June 4, 2010|url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9G4F1M00.htm|accessdate=June 5, 2010}}</ref> The vessel was launched on 12 May 2010 from Dundalk.<ref>Elaine Keogh, [http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0331/1224267398504.html €70,000 from auctioned ship to go to unpaid crew], [[Irish Times]], 31 March 2010</ref><ref>Isabel Hurley, [http://www.independent.ie/national-news/abandoned-ship-to-set-sail-with-gaza-aid-2118118.html Abandoned ship to set sail with Gaza aid], [[Irish Independent]], 31 March 2010</ref>


In May 2010, the ship was part of a [[flotilla]] that sailed for [[Gaza]]. It was partially funded by the [http://www.perdana4peace.org/ Perdana Global Peace Organisation], a [[Malaysia]]n [[NGO]] headed by former Malaysian prime minister [[Mahathir bin Mohamad]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Aid ship Rachel Corrie, with 6 M’sians, presses on to Gaza |author= |newspaper=[[The Star (Malaysia)]] |date=June 1, 2010 |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/1/nation/20100601105855&sec=nation |accessdate=5 June 2010 }}</ref>
In May 2010, the ship was part of a [[flotilla]] that sailed for [[Gaza]]. It was partially funded by the [Perdana Global Peace Organisation, a [[Malaysia]]n [[NGO]] headed by former Malaysian prime minister [[Mahathir bin Mohamad]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Aid ship Rachel Corrie, with 6 M’sians, presses on to Gaza |author= |newspaper=[[The Star (Malaysia)]] |date=June 1, 2010 |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/1/nation/20100601105855&sec=nation |accessdate=5 June 2010 }}</ref>


===Stated Purpose===
===Stated Purpose===

Revision as of 23:05, 5 June 2010

MV Rachel Corrie
History
Namelist error: <br /> list (help)
Carsten (1967-93)
Norasia Attika (1993-2000)
Manya (2000-03)
Linda (2003-2010)
Rachel Corrie (from 2010)
Ownerlist error: <br /> list (help)
P Buck (1993-94)
Ariadna Shipping Ltd (1994-2003)
LSA Hansa Bunkering Ltd (2003-05)
Lackner Ventures Ltd (2005-10)
Free Gaza Movement (from 2010)
Operatorlist error: <br /> list (help)
H Moller (1994-2004)
Hanza Bunkering Ltd (2004-05)
Forestry Shipping Ltd (2005)
Eestinva (2005-10)
Free Gaza Movement (from 2010)
Port of registrylist error: <br /> list (help)

Antigua and Barbuda Antigua (1993-2000)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Kingstown (2000-03)
Latvia Latvia (2003-05)
Cambodia Phnom Penh (since 2005)
BuilderJ J Sietas
Yard number625
CompletedMay 1967
HomeportDundalk, (since 2010)
Identificationlist error: <br /> list (help)
IMO Number 6715281
MMSI Number 515886000
Callsign XUJW8
General characteristics
Class and typeCoaster
Tonnagelist error: <br /> list (help)
499 GT
479 NRT
1,205 DWT
Length68.43 metres (224 ft 6 in)
Beam10.52 metres (34 ft 6 in)
Depth6.25 metres (20 ft 6 in)
Installed powerDeutz diesel engine
PropulsionScrew propellor
Speed12.5 knots (23.2 km/h)

MV Rachel Corrie is a 499 GT coaster owned and operated by the Irish arm of the Free Gaza Movement.[1] The ship is named in honour of Rachel Corrie, a former member of the International Solidarity Movement. It was originally called Carsten and has also carried the names Norasia Attika and Manya.

In June 2010 the vessel was intercepted by Israeli Defence Forces while attempting to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip and bring in humanitarian aid.[2] The mission was partially funded by the Malaysian Perdana Global Peace Organisation].

Description

The ship was built as yard number 625 by J J Sietas, Germany. She was completed in May 1967. She is 68.43 metres (224 ft 6 in) long, with a beam of 10.52 metres (34 ft 6 in) and a depth of 6.25 metres (20 ft 6 in). The ship is powered by a Deutz diesel engine which can propel her at 12.5 knots (23.2 km/h).[3]

History

Early history

Originally named Carsten, she was sold in 1993 to P Buck, Antigua and renamed Norasia Attika. She was sold on 8 December that year to Ariadna Shipping Ltd, St Vincent. On 1 February 1994 she was placed under the management of H Möller KG, Germany. She was renamed Manya on 24 November 2000. On 23 February 2004 she was sold to Hanza Bunkering Ltd. She was renamed Linda on 24 November 2003. On 30 August 2005 she was sold to Lackner Ventures Ltd. On 28 November 2005, she was placed under the management of Eestinova.[3]

Linda was used by Guinness for exporting beer before being converted for use as a freighter.[4] Her port of registry was Phnom Penh.[5] The IMO Number 6715281 and MMSI Number 515886000 are allocated. Rachel Corrie uses the Callsign XUJW8.[6]

1999–2009

By 2009, the ship had been bringing timber into Dundalk from the Baltic for the previous 10 years.[7] At the end of July that year, the Cambodian-registered vessel and its crew were abandoned by its owners, Forestry Shipping, of Riga, a company which has gone out of business.[8][9] The crew were left with one day's food and were owed arrears of pay that totalled €42,000. With the assistance of the Irish union SIPTU, an affiliate of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), they were repatriated to their home countries in November 2009.

Free Gaza Movement

See also: Gaza flotilla raid

After being seized by the High Court on behalf of the ITF, the ship was sold at auction in Dundalk for €70,000 to the Free Gaza Movement on 30 March 2010. This enabled ITF Inspector Ken Fleming to pay the crew their arrears.

It was outfitted at Brown's Quay in Dundalk, Ireland, for use in a voyage to Gaza. While there, a significant amount of navigational equipment worth between €15,000 and €20,000 was stolen from the vessel.[4]

It was renamed in honour of Rachel Corrie, an American college student crushed to death by an Israeli army bulldozer while protesting house demolitions in Gaza.[10] The vessel was launched on 12 May 2010 from Dundalk.[11][12]

In May 2010, the ship was part of a flotilla that sailed for Gaza. It was partially funded by the [Perdana Global Peace Organisation, a Malaysian NGO headed by former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad.[13]

Stated Purpose

The intention of the MV Rachel Corrie journey is to bring both humanitarian aid to the Gazan population and public attention to the Egypt-Israel blockade of the Gaza region; a blockade criticised by United Nations Relief and Works Agency for imposing “abject poverty” on 350,000 Gazans.[14] [15] Former UN President and High Commisioner of Human Rights, Mary Robinson, has also criticised the "illegal blockade of 1.5 million people, half of whom are children."[16][unbalanced opinion?]

Maltese Difficulties: Mechanical Problems

The MV Rachel Corrie was not part of the flotilla that was raided and detained by the Israeli military on 30 May 2010.

At this time, the vessel was docked in Malta due to mechanical difficulties and was unable to depart as planned with the original flotilla on the East Mediterranean leg of the journey.[17]

Cargo

The vessel is carrying cement, medical equipment (including a CT scanner) and educational supplies.[18] Cement is one of the items banned by Israel.[19]

Former UN Assistant Secretary General, Denis Halliday, on-board the Rachel Corrie, has expressed concern that some of these humanitarian goods would be likely to be seized if the MV Rachel Corrie accepted "an offer of an escort to another port". The cargo, although it falls within the remit of humanitarian aid as defined by the United Nations, "would be confiscated by the Israelis, given that they do not define this as humanitarian goods – in breach of the UN definition of same”. [20]

Prior to the ship's last leg of its journey, Denis Halliday requested a final inspection of the cargo: "We are calling on the UN to inspect the cargo and escort us into Gaza, and to send a UN representative to sail on board before they enter the exclusion zone.".[21] Trade unions and government officials have previously inspected the cargo, "so we are 100 percent confident that there is nothing that is offensive or dangerous," he told Israel's Channel 2 TV.[22]

Passengers and Crew

There are eleven passengers on board the ship:

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maireád Corrigan-Maguire, former UN Assistant Secretary General Denis Halliday, film maker Fiona Thompson, husband and wife Derek and Jenny Graham and six Malaysian citizens.

The Malaysian members are: Member of the Parliament of Malaysia, for the Parit constituency, Mohd Nizar Zakaria; Perdana Global Peace Organisation representatives, Shamsul Akmar, Matthias Chang and Ahmad Faizal Azumu; TV3 reporter Halim Mohamed and TV3 cameraman Jufri Junid. [23] [24]

The ship is captained by Eric Harcis, a UK citizen from the Orkney Islands, Scotland.[25]

Criticisms

The Israelis have been very opposed to the various blockade-running initiatives. One Israeli spokesman said: “These people are not supporting the Palestinians and they are not even supporting humanitarian causes. They are engaged in only one thing, and that is to create provocations and to collaborate with Hamas propaganda.”[26]

Irish Government demands

On 1 June 2010, the Irish Government issued a demand to the Israeli government to allow the vessel safe passage to Gaza. The Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD said "If any harm comes to any of our citizens, it will have the most serious consequences".[27]

The demand for safe passage was reiterated by Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin TD on 2 June 2010. Mr Martin warned the Israelis he would take "appropriate diplomatic action" if the ship was not allowed through.[28]

On 5 June 2010, the Irish Government made clear that it believes that the MV Rachel Corrie should be allowed to proceed to Gaza and to unload its humanitarian cargo.

Those on board the vessel had previously indicated that they were ready to accept inspection of their cargo at sea, prior to docking in Gaza and had requested for a UN representative to accompany the ship. A proposal, put to them by the Irish Government, was declined "after careful consideration" whereby the ship would dock at the port of Ashdod and the vessel's cargo would be inspected under the supervision of both UN officials and the Irish Aid Division for the Department of Foreign Affairs. The proposal followed from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs reaching an understanding with the Israeli Government on Friday, through various contacts.[29]

As the MV Rachel Corrie continues on its original course, Minister Martin has stated he "fully respects their right ... to continue their protest action by seeking sail to Gaza" and reiterated again, if the Israeli government intercepts the ship, "that it demonstrates every restraint" given that those on board the MV Rachel Corrie have "made clear their peaceful intentions". Again the Irish Government restated its "call on Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza. Pending that, Israel should immediately facilitate the import into Gaza of all goods, other than weapons.”[30]

US State Department and the Rachel Corrie

The US State Department and Irish Government were in contact on Thursday 3 June 2010 and reported to be in ongoing communications; United States Deputy Secretary of State, Jack Lew, had an extensive conversation with the Irish foreign minister on Thursday who in turn, were in contact with the individuals on board the Rachel Corrie.

Spokeperson for the US State Department, P. J. Crowley, hoped that the Rachel Corrie would "work with Israeli authorities to deliver these materials to Gaza."

Mr. Crowley went onto say "that’s part of the conversation that we’re having and how can we do this in a way where groups that have a vital interest in seeing the expansion of goods to the people of Gaza, have confidence that those materials will actually reach the people of Gaza and various groups that are working to help the people of Gaza ... And we hope in the meantime that everybody here will make responsible decisions and avoid unnecessary confrontations".[31] Similar sentiments were echoed by the Irish Foreign Affairs Minister in a press release late on Friday.[32]

Approach to East Mediterranean coast

As of late 4 June, it was reported that the ship was less than 100 miles from Gaza, and they were due to arrive at 0500 UT the following day. [33]

Passengers aboard the MV Rachel Corrie indicated on June 5 that the Israeli Navy had intercepted their vessel around 55 kilometres (30 nmi) off the Gaza Strip[34], and ordered them to divert to Ashdod.[35][36] They were shadowed by two Israeli Navy ships and their radar was jammed.[37] Soldiers from the Israeli Defense Forces have boarded the ship and redirected it towards the port of Ashdod. Preliminary reports indicated that there was no resistance.[38] The interception that occurred at about 12:30 pm involved about 20 combat soldiers in 2 missile boats. All the crew were arrested by these forces. [39]

References

  1. ^ Peter Walker (2010-06-01). "Irish aid boat holds course towards Gaza despite Israel warning". The Guardian. Retrieved 2010-06-01.
  2. ^ Berger, Robert. Israeli Navy Intercepts Aid Ship Headed for Gaza. Voice of America. 5 June 2010.
  3. ^ a b "Manya" (PDF). Merchant Ships International. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  4. ^ a b Ó Snodaigh, Aengus; Morgan, Arthur (13 May 2010). "Free Gaza Campaign launch ship". An Phoblacht.
  5. ^ Verlo, Eric (5 May 2010). "Gaza Freedom Flotilla building steam". Not my tribe. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  6. ^ "Rachel Corrie (IMO: 6715281)". Vesseltracker. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  7. ^ Margaret Roddy, Port comes to aid of stranded crew, The Argus, 26 August 2009.
  8. ^ Terry Conlon, Crew to stay aboard ship for 'as long as it takes to get paid', Irish Times, 22 August 2009.
  9. ^ SIPTU, AUCTION OF SEIZED MV LINDA IN DUNDALK ON TUESDAY, 29 March 2010.
  10. ^ Hadjicostis, Menelaos; Rising, David (June 4, 2010). "New aid ship heads to Gaza, Israel vows to stop it". Associated Press. Retrieved June 5, 2010.
  11. ^ Elaine Keogh, €70,000 from auctioned ship to go to unpaid crew, Irish Times, 31 March 2010
  12. ^ Isabel Hurley, Abandoned ship to set sail with Gaza aid, Irish Independent, 31 March 2010
  13. ^ "Aid ship Rachel Corrie, with 6 M'sians, presses on to Gaza". The Star (Malaysia). June 1, 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  14. ^ "United Nations Relief and Works Agency".
  15. ^ Tobias Buck (May 23 2010). "Gaza looks beyond the tunnel economy". Financial Times. Retrieved June 04 2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  16. ^ Patsy McGarry (02 June 2010). "The Irish Times". {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  17. ^ "Israel to deport activists detained after flotilla raids". 1 June 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
  18. ^ Michael Brennan, Frances Black (02 June 2010). "Irish ship sails into the eye of the storm". Irish Independent Newspapers. Retrieved 04 June 2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  19. ^ "Gaza flotilla: Turkey threat to Israel ties over raid". BBC News. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  20. ^ Mark Weiss, Lorna Siggins, Mary Fitzgerald (04 June 2010). "Israel may ease Gaza blockade". The Irish Times. Retrieved 04 June 2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign Press Release, 3rd June 2010
  22. ^ "Israel vows to stop aid ship as it approaches Gaza". Associated Press. 5 June 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |authors= ignored (help)
  23. ^ "Israel to deport activists detained after flotilla raids". The Irish Times. 1 June 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
  24. ^ "Update: The search for Malaysian journalists in Gaza flotilla raid continues". the malay mail. 31 May 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  25. ^ Pamela Newenham, Mary Fitzgerald (3 June 2010). "'Rachel Corrie Proceeding to Gaza". The Irish Times.
  26. ^ Sokol, Samuel (22 April 2010). "Gaza Boat Organizers Endorse Terrorism". Five Towns Jewish Times. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  27. ^ "Taoiseach warns Israel of 'serious consequences'". Irish Times Newspaper. 2 June 2010. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  28. ^ "Irish ship sails into the eye of the storm". Irish Independent Newspaper. 2 June 2010. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  29. ^ Minister Micheál Martin (5 June 2010). "Statement by Minister Martin on the Rachel Corrie". Department Foreign Affairs, Irish Government. Retrieved 6 June 2010.
  30. ^ Minister Micheál Martin (5 June 2010). "Statement by Minister Martin on the Rachel Corrie". Department Foreign Affairs, Irish Government. Retrieved 6 June 2010.
  31. ^ P. J. Crowley (4 June 2010, 1:32 p.m.). "Daily Press Briefing". State Department, US Governement. Retrieved 5 June 2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ Minister Micheál Martin (5 June 2010). "Statement by Minister Martin on the Rachel Corrie". Department Foreign Affairs, Irish Government. Retrieved 6 June 2010.
  33. ^ "Irish ship the Rachel Corrie due to arrive in Gaza". BBC News. 4 June 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  34. ^ Harriet Sherwood; Amy Fallon; Adam Gabbatt (5 June 2010). "Israeli forces forces board the Rachel Corrie". Guardian.
  35. ^ "'Rachel Corrie' intercepted off Gaza coast". The Jerusalem Post. 5 June 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  36. ^ "Israeli navy 'shadowing' Rachel Corrie Gaza aid ship". BBC News. 5 June 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  37. ^ "'Rachel Corrie continues towards Gaza'". RTÉ. 5 June 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  38. ^ Harel, Amos. IDF boards Gaza-bound ship Rachel Corrie: 'crew compliance'. Haaretz. 5 June 2010.
  39. ^ Bronner, Ethan (5 June 2010). "Israeli Military Boards Gaza-Bound Aid Ship". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 June 2010.

Media related to MV Rachel Corrie at Wikimedia Commons MV Rachel Corrie seized by Israeli Naval Forces at Wikinews

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