By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 4 August 2014:
British and other European evacuees from Libya arrived in Malta today aboard the HMS Enterprise, . . .[restrict]a survey ship belonging to the British Royal Navy.
Thirty children, four pregnant women, 12 infants and an elderly person were among the 110 individuals who were transported from Tripoli port via a smaller survey boat, HMS Spitfire, to the Royal Navy vessel. There was also a small number of Irish and Germans on board.
The passengers were provided supplies for the journey, according to a UK Defence Ministry statement, and taken to Malta, arriving at Valletta.
British High Commissioner (ambassador) in Malta Rob Luke was on hand to greet the passengers as they disembarked in Valletta.
Speaking on camera to The Times of Malta, Luke spoke of the long voyage the passengers had undergone, adding that they left in “traumatic circumstances.” He said: “Our priority is to give them the care and support that they need from us now. Then we will help them with onward transport to the UK.”
Luke made a point of thanking the Maltese authorities and people for their support in the evacuation operation. He also thanked the captain and crew of HMS Enterprise.
There are still as many 300 British nationals in Libya, some of whom reportedly have no desire to leave. Though the British Embassy has suspended operations in Tripoli for now, the Foreign Office remains in contact with them to provide assistance where possible. [/restrict]
