Indians stranded in Liybya to be evacuated

The Indian government has decided to immediately evacuate 18,000 Indians from Libya in view of the tense situation there. The government which has been watching the deteriorating situation has taken the decision on Thursday, to shift the Indians by next available transport. Air India and Indian Airlines have been asked to make enough aircraft available. Sea transportation is also being arranged.

The government has however decided to adopt the same policy it adopted with regard to Egypt, in the case of Libya also - treating the ongoing agitation as the country's internal matter.

 Evacuation is being arranged by sea and air. Government has chartered a passenger ferry with capacity to seat 1200 persons for this purpose. The ship, Scotia Prince, is already in Egypt and readying for sail to Benghazi which will be the initial focus of the evacuation operations," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

 Scotia Prince was initially headed for Tuticorin from Greece to be used for the Tuticorin- Colombo ferry service starting next week. Shipping Minister GK Vasan ordered the ship to be diverted to evacuate Indians stranded in Libya. It will reach Libya late Thursday evening or early Friday morning.