I am writing to object to the BBC’s 9 June live feed on the hijacking of the UK-flagged aid ship Madleen. Initially describing the ship as “diverted” obscures the reality: it was hijacked in international waters.

During the crucial initial hours of the live feed—when most people engaged with the story—the incident was inaccurately reported using the euphemism “diverted,” rather than terminology that reflected the illegality and severity of the act.

Under Article 92 of UNCLOS, Madleen is UK territory at sea. Israel’s armed boarding violated international law and UK sovereignty, triggering the UK’s legal obligation to act.

Your coverage omits the above, as well as the identity of the unit involved—Israel’s Shayetet 13—the same force that massacred 10 civilians aboard the Mavi Marmara in 2010.

These omissions breach BBC Editorial Guidelines:

• Section 3.1 (Accuracy): Fails to report with “due accuracy and due impartiality.”
• Section 4.1 (Impartiality): Omits legally and politically significant perspectives.
• Section 11.3.1 (War, Terror and Emergencies): Neglects to provide a “full and fair account.”

It also breaches OFCOM Broadcasting Code:

• 5.1: Lacks due impartiality in politically controversial matters.
• 2.2: Withholds critical facts, risking harm by omission.

I urge you to immediately correct the misleading terminology and add essential context. The public has a right to full, accurate reporting—especially when UK sovereignty is at stake.