UK AID WORKERS (INCLUDING 2 MAVI MARMARA SURVIVORS) HELD HOSTAGE ON GREEK-OWNED SHIP,

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - PLEASE CIRCULATE WIDELY

Photo contributed by Ken O'keefe

Wednesday 10th November, 2010

23.15 GMT - LONDON

UK AID WORKERS (INCLUDING 2 MAVI MARMARA SURVIVORS) HELD HOSTAGE ON GREEK-OWNED SHIP, AFTER SHIP OWNER ARGUES WITH EGYPTIAN BROKER

DERNA PORT, LIBYA

"Strofades IV" has broken its moorings, without port permission, and is heading out of Derna Harbour.

The rear door of the ship is half closed, with convoy vehicle B7 stuck on it precariously. It is extremely dangerous.

In the lower deck of the Ro-Ro (rollon rolloff) ship are held hostage:

3 Libyans - (2 port authority policemen, with Colonel Salahuddin Rashin, Manager of Derna Port)

1 Moroccan

1 Algerian

2 Irish

6 UK nationals

The violent Greek owner who is also its captain of "Strofades IV" has just disembarked (as at 22.50 GMT) through a side door of the ship, onto a speed boat. His speed boat has made for another cargo vessel in Derna the harbour - "Odin Finder".

None of our guys now know who is in charge of Strofades IV, or where it is destined to go.

The ship is empty, apart from the hostages and single convoy vehicle jammed in the doorway. It is making rapid headway to get out to sea.

The matter is a serious breach of every maritime law possible.

We have asked all relevant Embassies to supply urgent, immediate, consular assistance.

We are EXTREMELY concerned for the safety of all the nationals on board.

For further info, please contact:

Ellie Merton

London Liaison

Road to Hope, Convoy to Gaza

[phone]

[e-mail]