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Riddle over Portsmouth sailor held by Israelis
A Portsmouth sailor is being held in an Israeli prison after his boat was seized while carrying aid to Gaza.
Denis Healey is being held along with 20 campaigners at Givon jail in Ramla, Israel, according to the Free Gaza Movement and his partner Ruth Baker.
Eight British and Irish activists were among those detained by the Israeli authorities on board the boat Spirit of Humanity as they tried to transport humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
Mr Healey, 54, the boat's captain, was born in Portsmouth and lived in Wymering for 20 years, but now lives outside Limassol in Cyprus.
Ms Baker, 61, said: 'I spoke to Denis last night after they managed to get a phone in the prison.
'He went before a judge yesterday and he has recommended deportation but nothing has been signed or sealed.
'That's all we have heard. Denis is still in prison over there and he doesn't know what's going on.'
Ms Baker said the boat was taking medical supplies, olive trees and children's toys to Gaza.
It was searched and received security clearance from the Cypriot Port Authorities before departing and never approached Israeli waters, she said.
The activists were 18 miles off the coast of Gaza when they were detained by Israeli special forces supported by six navy gunships.
Ms Baker said: 'They were turning into Gazan waters and these gun boats suddenly crowded round them.
'This was his fifth trip there and I wasn't keen on him going this time, I had a feeling about it.
'When I spoke to him he seemed to be doing better. He said they had changed the bedsheets and the food was good. We don't know when we will see him.'
An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman said the navy took control of the cargo boat after its crew ignored warnings it could not enter Gazan coastal waters.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: 'We have confirmed that six British nationals were detained by the authorities. Consular staff have visited them and are providing consular assistance.
'We are seeking further clarity on the incident from the Israeli authorities.'
MORE TROUBLE
This is not the first time Denis Healey has found himself in trouble while trying to deliver aid to Gaza.
In January The News reported how his boat was rammed by an Israeli gunboat while trying to get aid through. He was carrying 3.5 tons of medical supplies to help people trapped in the conflict.
There were also doctors, television reporters and peace activists on board his yacht, Dignity.
He told The News how two Israeli gunships had shone searchlights at the yacht, before ramming it and taking away some of the upper deck.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
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