Ship sailing to Bengazhi to evacuate Indians
By ANIThursday, February 24, 2011
NEW DELHI - : “Scotia Prince” a chattered passenger ferry with capacity to seat 1200 persons, has reached Egypt and is to sail for Bengazhi to evacuate stranded Indian nationals from Libya.
Ministry of External Affairs personnel and a medical team will be on board to assist the evacuees.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the MEA “Evacuation is being arranged by sea and air.”
The ship is expected to reach Benghazi by the February 27th and will bring back the persons to Alexandria by March.
Special Air India flights will be stationed there to bring them back to India.
“In Tripoli the focus will be on air evacuation. Aircrafts are on stand by for this purpose. Libyan landing clearance is awaited. Preparations are also in hand for evacuation of the nationals from cities where air access is possible subject to Libyan clearance” The statement said.
According to the MEA, Indian companies, working in Libya for decades have also offered to work with the Indian Embassy in Tripoli to facilitate the evacuation.
The statement said that the MEA is coordinating closely with other ministries, including defence, overseas indian affairs and Shipping in making evacuation arrangements.
The statement said “Round the clock situation rooms in MEA and our Mission in Tripoli are functioning smoothly and addressing queries from families of our citizens in Libya. Our Embassies in Egypt and Tunisia are also alert to the situation and extending all assistance.” (ANI)
