Turkish protest ship returns home

Mavi Marmara, which led the Gaza-bound aid flotilla in May, arrives in Istanbul's Iskenderun Port

News agencies|Published: 08.07.10 , 11:57

The Turkish protest ship that was seized by Israel in a deadly raid in May has returned to Turkey.

Turkish television showed the Mavi Marmara arriving at the Mediterranean port of Iskenderun on Saturday after leaving the Israeli port of Haifa on Thursday.

Another Turkish vessel released by Israeli also arrived and a third is expected later in the day.

The ships had been part of a flotilla sailing toward Gaza to protest Israel's blockade of Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israeli troops intercepted the boats on May 31. The ensuing clash left nine people dead.

Thursday saw Turkish tugboats arrive at Haifa port in order to transport the Mavi Marmara back to home. Once seized, the Marmara, along with the two other vessels, were held at the Ashdod port.

Last week they were moved to a civilian dock where it underwent renovation work and preparations ahead of its return to Turkey.

AP contributed to this report