Crew member Veli-Matti Koivisto of the Finnish-flagged Estelle returned to his home country in the early hours of Wednesday. He says that Israeli military boarded the vessel in international waters.

The Estelle sailed toward Gaza with aid supplies last week and was stopped by Israel this past Saturday. The ship and its international crew were forced to head to the port of Ashdod.

According to Koivisto, the Estelle’s crew put up non-violent resistance until Israeli soldiers broke down the door to the command bridge.

Koivisto says that Israeli military used electroshock weapons as they boarded the Estelle. Israeli authorities have previously said the take-over proceeded peacefully.

The Finnish boatswain criticises Israel’s actions towards those onboard the Estelle. He describes their treatment as rude and even brutal. He points out that over a day had elapsed before the ship’s detained passengers managed to contact their countries’ embassies.

The Estelle’s Finnish captain, Mika Jämiä, is expected to return from Israel on Wednesday.