Stenergard emphasized that her ministry has no possibility of offering consular help at sea, as such services are only available on land or in territorial waters. She explained that consular services are designed for land-based scenarios, leaving the ministry powerless to act at sea. She repeated that there is absolutely no way to assist consularly on ships, and she noted that participants in the flotilla do so at their own risk, fully aware of the dangers. Stenergard said that those who voluntarily join accept the inherent risks. The minister made clear that no exceptions would be made, and that Swedes who join should not expect any state support. She added that the limitations are well-established and that the ministry's incapacity at sea is an absolute constraint. Stenergard remarked that the situation did not change the fundamental limitations of consular law. She underscored that no consular intervention at sea is possible, regardless of the circumstances.
The foreign minister also disclosed that she had spoken with her Israeli counterpart about the boarding. During the call, she expressed Sweden's expectation that Swedish citizens' rights would be respected, describing the conversation as a direct expression of concerns. The minister said she used the call to express that expectation. She declined to name the Israeli official or provide further details.
The exact number of Swedes on the vessel, their condition, and whether any were detained remain unclear. Stenergard stated that the boarding occurred approximately 60 nautical miles off Crete and reiterated that the government's stance would not change. The foreign minister emphasized that the government had no plans to change its stance. When pressed, she repeated that consular assistance at sea is simply not feasible, and she concluded that Sweden's position is final. Stenergard reiterated that her government would not be swayed by appeals to intervene. The ministry stated that it is monitoring the situation via its embassy in Tel Aviv.