Two Virtu' Ferries catamarans have berthed in Tripoli and boarding procedures have started for the evacuation of American nationals, a company spokesman has confirmed.

A number of Maltese will also board the vessels for Malta following arrangements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The catamarans Maria Dolores and San Gwann left Malta during the night.

The US State Department, which chartered the vessels, said they arrived off As-shahab Port in Central Tripoli at 11.15 a.m.

Departure from Tripoli for Malta is expected in the late afternoon.

The Foreign Ministry said any Maltese in the area of As-shahab should go to the harbour as soon as possible.

American aircraft have been refused permission to land in Libya and the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs called on Americans wishing to leave Libya to go to As-shahab as soon as possible.

Of the several thousand US citizens in Libya, most are dual nationals; those solely with US citizenship number about 600, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said.

The State Department said boarding the vessels would be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those with medical emergencies or severe medical conditions.

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