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.
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“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.
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He added that another ship that would provide logistical support to the ships was already enroute.