Misrata: An international aid ship helping to evacuate people from the besieged Libyan port of Misrata has come under rocket attack from government forces.
Witnesses said at least five people died and there was widespread panic among those trying to board the ferry, the Red Star One.
Amid the chaos about 200 people were left behind when the ship sailed for Benghazi, rebel sources said.
The forces of Col Gaddafi have been pounding Misrata for several weeks.
In that time the port has become a lifeline, allowing in vital supplies and evacuating wounded people and migrant workers fleeing the fighting.
The Red Star One, chartered by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), had to wait offshore for several days because of the continuing fighting.
It arrived in Misrata on Wednesday carrying 180 tonnes of supplies.
IOM official Othman Belbeisi said rockets started falling just minutes after he and others disembarked.
“The whole place was shaking and people started running in different directions,” he said.
Witnesses said that, when panicking evacuees threatened to swamp the ship, the captain raised the gangplank and pulled away from the dock, separating some families.
But the ship briefly returned a few minutes later when a wounded patient’s condition worsened. There were further chaotic scenes before the ship finally left for Benghazi.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription