Aid ship with two Irish diverted to Greece following dispute

TWO IRISH aid workers on a ship originally intended for the Palestinian territory of Gaza were being taken against their will to Greece last night following an apparent dispute with the captain.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware a ship with two Irish citizens on board left Libya yesterday morning following “a dispute” on board.

The Road to Hope charity said the Greek ship Strofades IV left the Libyan port of Derna early yesterday taking 10 aid workers – two Irish people, seven Britons and an Algerian – towards Greece.

“The Greek captain . . . was reported to be saying he wanted to proceed to Greek islands and drop off the conveyers and Libyans, so that the Greek people could deal with them as illegal immigrants,” a statement issued by the charity said.

The charity, which had planned to send the aid-laden ship to Gaza in defiance of the Israeli boycott on the territory, said three Libyans, two port policemen and the port manager, were also aboard.

A spokeswoman at the Department of Foreign Affairs said it had raised the matter with Libyan and Greek authorities. The Irish Embassies in Rome and Athens are monitoring the situation and consular staff will meet the boat when it arrives, she said.

Britain’s foreign office said it was aware of the incident. “We understand that the ship now is heading towards Greek territorial waters. Our embassy in Athens has spoken to the shipping company and is also in close contact with the Greek authorities. Our priority remains that there be a safe resolution to this incident.”