Violence Forces Libyan Aid Ship to Leave Dock In a Hurry Leaving Hundreds Behind

 

Four people are dead after shells rained down on the port of Misrata Wednesday. The British-funded aid ship, RED START ONE, and the refugees trying to flee onboard her were the intended target’s of Col Muammar Gaddafi’s forces.

More than 1,000 foreign workers braved the fire while waiting for a chance to flee the camp they’ve been staying in for the last few days.

The aid ship they were waiting on, had already spent the last five days anchored out at sea after pro-Gaddafi forces used shells and mines to prevent the ship entering the port.

Today, after finally reaching the dock, the ship was forced to pull up its ramp and leave after just an hour. The vessel left with an estimated 700 foreign workers, 50 journalists and 20 wounded civilians onboard- leaving hundreds behind.

The International Organisation for Migration said they took as many people as they could in a very short time, but they were disappointed they weren’t able to more time to help others.