Ferry Saint Stephen II with Russians on board sails off Libya

28.02.2011 Passenger ferry Saint Stephen II which was supposed to take Russians from Libyan port Ras Lanuf on Sunday sails off the port only on Monday due to bad weather conditions, reports RIA Novosti referring to Russian EMERCOM.

"Ferry's departure is postponed because of bad weather. It is planned that the ferry would leave the port on February 28", said the interviewee yesterday.

The ferry sailed off Montenegrin port Bar on Feb 23. The vessel will deliver Russians to a safe place, and then EMERCOM aircrafts will carry them to Russia.

According to the ministry, there is a camp 4 km away from the port where about 1,000 Russians are waiting for escape.

"The camp is supplied with everything required – food, water, and medicaments; security is also provided", said the interviewee.

In total, EMERCOM aviation has evacuated over 480 people from Libya, including 330 Russians. On Wednesday, Feb 23 four aircrafts delivered 339 people from Tripoli to Moscow. On Friday two aircrafts took other 142 people from Libyan port Sirt and brought them to Istanbul and Moscow. All flights were accompanied by psychologists from EMERCOM Emergency Psychological Center.

Protest actions demanding dismissal of national leader Muammar Gaddafi who has been governing the country for 42 years are held in Libyan provinces since Feb 15. According to international organizations, Libyan authorities brutally suppress demonstrations. About 600-2,000 people died in skirmishes with security services and foreign mercenaries; other 4,000 were wounded. Numerous countries conduct mass evacuation of their citizens from Libya.