Egyptian boat heading for Malta forced into Misurata, mistaken for Gaddafi getaway

The “Qased Karim” boat was carrying 15 Egyptian fishermen and heading to Malta but was forced by Libyan revolutionaries to enter Misurata, according to the boat owner, who was contacted via phone by one of the fishermen.

Commenting on the incident, Libyan Transitional National Council member Mohamed Jibril said he knew nothing of the boat but added that he is sure that such an act is not meant as an act of hostility against the Egyptians.

Jibril said that there is a chance that the rebels had suspected that Gaddafi loyalists might be on the boat, adding that only four days earlier they had detected some of Gaddafi’s luggage being smuggled through the waterways.

The NTC spokesman confirmed that Libyan rebels will immediately release the boat when they find nothing on board, adding that the fighters are very keen on maintaining strong Libyan-Egyptian relations and a good international image.