A ship loaded with building, educational and medical supplies will leave Dundalk for Gaza.
Formerly known as the MV Linda, the ship was abandoned by its owners in Dundalk last year. The vessel was seized by the International Transport Federation and subsequently sold to the Free Gaza Movement. It will now join a flotilla of other vessels attempting to bring aid to Gaza.
The ship was renamed the Rachel Corrie, in memory of the American pro-Palestinian campaigner and member of the International Solidarity Movement who was killed by an Israeli armoured bulldozer in Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip.
Ken Fleming of the International Transport Federation says that a ship that had been systematically used to abuse seafarers will end its days doing some good work in the world.
The Free Gaza Movement has spent the last year gathering supplies from Ireland and across Europe. The cargo includes hundreds of tonnes of cement, educational materials for schools, and medical supplies including x-ray machines, wheelchairs and crutches. After sailing to Cyprus, the ship will join a flotilla bound for Gaza.
Caoimhe Butterly of the Free Gaza Movement is confident that they have the support of people from across the world in their efforts.
We are attempting to uphold international law. We believe that we have the conscience of the world with us in this mission.
An RTE News report broadcast on 12 May 2010. The reporter is Richard Dowling.
