From there, IOM will use an on-going operation to take rescued migrants to the Egyptian border at Salloum by road before assisting them to return to their home countries.
On board are several IOM operational and medical staff.
IOM had been made aware of many thousands of migrants of several nationalities wanting to leave Tripoli but who had been unable to do so as fighting on the western front had cut off the road route to the Tunisian border.
The situation is extremely fluid, not only in terms of how many
people may have changed their minds about leaving, but also in
terms of changing counter-parts on the ground,” says Pasquale
Lupoli, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
“We hope the IOM boat will be able to dock on Tuesday on time and
that the Organization will be able to safely carry out its
mission.”
With migrants scattered around Tripoli and fighting still reported
in some parts of the city, IOM is calling for both parties to
ensure migrants are allowed to safely make their way to the port
for evacuation.
IOM will evacuate more stranded migrants by
sea if there is a humanitarian need.
