The Royal Navy Rescues Britons In The Latest Libyan Evacuation

The Royal Navy’s HMS enterprise has been called in to evacuate British nationals caught in the cross fire of the latest Libyan conflict. About 100 people were believed to be evacuated to the Enterprise and are en route to safety in Malta.

The rescue operation was the latest in a long string of evacuations as Libya moves closer to total government collapse. As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the U.S. embassy also evacuated as fighting between rival militias has reached the Tripoli airport. The Libyan government reported that for Saturday the 2nd, 22 people died in the violence.

Western embassies have temporarily cleared out for the time being, leaving foreign nationals with no one to turn to for help except the Royal Navy. According to the Guardian, the HMS Enterprise’s commanding officer, Royal Navy Commander Mark Varta was proud to take part in the mission saying:

“This is a period of uncertainty for UK citizens based in Libya but we have been proud to play our part in enabling their move to safety. My ship’s company have adapted to the challenge superbly, making as much space as possible and providing essential food, shelter and security for the journey.”

Before being called in for the rescue, the Royal Navy ship was engaged in an 18-month mission to conduct surveys from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea to the Gulf. The ship is 90 meters (nearly 100 yards) long and is based in Plymouth.

The Enterprise moored itself off the coast of Libya while smaller boats ferried passengers out to safety. The navy crew then distributed supplies for the journey, including food and water.

A team of government officials in Malta are being reinforced in Malta to handle the incoming. UK High Commissioner Rob Luke took to Twitter:

My #UK Government team in #Malta reinforced + hard at work preparing to help Brits + families arriving from #Libya on #HMSEnterprise

— Rob Luke (@HCRobLuke) August 3, 2014

Despite the Royal Navy’s efforts in the evacuation mission, there are still between 100 to 300 British nationals trapped in Libya according to the BBC News. There’s no telling how many other people are caught in the cross fire with no way out.

Most commercial flights have been suspended, and those who remain are subject to sudden schedule changes. Land routes also remain open, but they too carry a risk.

With no other Royal Navy missions being announced, those left in Libya may be forced to wait and see until the conflict on the ground comes to an end.

[Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons]