A Victoria, B.C., activist who was aboard one of the six aid ships stormed by Israeli forces early Monday morning spoke to CTV News the day before he left, saying he was worried about his safety.

At least nine people were killed and dozens more wounded after Israeli commandos raided the flotilla of ships carrying 10,000 tons of aid and some 700 activists, including Kevin Neish, to the Gaza Strip.

The ships were ordered to stop their journey into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade for three years. They were then boarded about 130 kilometres from the coast in international waters, after which military forces began towing the ships to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Friends and family of Neish are awaiting word of his safety, and describe the veteran activist as a "role model" who had travelled on many international humanitarian missions in the past.

"He's just always been concerned about the welfare of others," friend Anne Hansen said. "We wish for his safety and his safe return, and the safety of everyone else who was on the flotilla."

The day before departing, Neish told CTV News he was anticipating a military intervention, and that he was afraid.

"I'd be foolish not to be scared or nervous. It's been violent before but there's a lot at stake," Neish said. "These people need support."

Neish planned to spend a few weeks in Gaza, but was concerned he could be stranded there should his transport ship not be allowed to dock a second time to pick him up. Neish said he had paid his utility bills until December, and was "prepared for the long haul."

"I've been warned that I could be there for a couple months. If the ships can't get back in, then I can't get out," he said, adding that the border to Egypt is closed and the border to Israel is difficult to traverse.

Different reports have referred to the boat carrying Neish as the Challenger I and the Challenger II. It is unclear whether they are the same ship, but neither has been associated with casualties.

Neish is believed to have been tasked with protecting a team of news reporters travelling with the flotilla.

Mark Regev, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the flotilla had been warned in advance that the ships would not be allowed to enter Gaza from the sea.

Israel has let five aid deliveries go through the blockade on previous occasions, but has blocked all such attempts since January of last year.

With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press