Vessel intercepted and towed to Ashdod
In a statement released this afternoon (8 October), Ms Antoniazzi said that Mr Evans had been on board the Abd ElKarin Eid, one of the flotilla vessels, when it was stopped by Israeli forces last night.
The ship is currently being towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod, a journey expected to take around 20 hours.
Updates from the Foreign Office and the consular caseworker assigned to Mr Evans confirm that he is safe and well.
Flotilla statement
The Thousand Madleen Flotilla said lawyers would be able to meet those detained once they arrive on land, and that Mr Evans’s wife, Maz Varey, was being kept informed.
“We are hopeful that Leigh and the other crew members will be released soon and will be able to return home safely,” the group said. “We have no confirmation at this moment of the time and date of their release or return, but we hope they will be able to return to the UK within the next few days.”
The statement also expressed gratitude to contacts in Israel “who are doing all they can to ensure Leigh Evans returns safely to his home in Wales.”
MP: “We remain in constant contact”
Ms Antoniazzi said her office was in regular contact with both the Foreign Office and Mr Evans’s family.
“My team remains in constant contact with Leigh’s wife, Maz, and with officials handling his case. We will continue to press for updates and to support the family until Leigh is safely home.”
The journey so far
As we reported earlier this week (full story here), Leigh Evans was among several Britons aboard the flotilla, which set sail to deliver humanitarian aid towards Gaza.
Concerns for their safety were raised in Parliament, with MPs urging the UK Government to ensure consular support for those involved.
Awaiting release and return
It is not yet clear when Mr Evans and the other crew members will be released, but hopes remain that they could return to the UK within days. Swansea Bay News will continue to follow developments closely.
