As a part of the efforts to rescue stranded Indians from turmoil-ridden Libya, Indian Naval Ships Jalashwa and Mysore set sail from here on Saturday afternoon.
“The ships will sail for nearly eight-10 days before reaching Libya,” Captain M. Nambiar, Chief Public Relations Officer (Defence), told The Hindu .
“INS Jalashwa, a Landing Platform Dock type of amphibious platform, is particularly designed for sea lift missions and is also capable of undertaking humanitarian missions.
“The ships have been specially equipped for the task with full medical facilities such as an operation theatre, doctors and paramedics. They are also carrying helicopters and a contingent of Marine Special Forces personnel,” a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau said.
Captain Nambiar said INS Jalashwa could carry nearly 2,500 people, while the INS Mysore could carry 800-1,000 people.
“They will be ferried for short distances and will be brought to either Egypt or Malta from where they will be airlifted,” he said.
He added that another ship that would provide logistical support to the ships was already enroute.