Catamarans chartered by the US to evacuate Americans from Tripoli are expected to spend all of today sheltering in a Libyan harbour as heavy seas persist in the Central Mediterranean.

The Virtu' Ferries vessels were due to leave late yesterday afternoon but the delay could run beyond 24 hours.

"The ferry departure from Libya to Malta is delayed due to high seas. Citizens are safe on board. It will leave when the weather permits," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said in a Twitter message.

He said 35 American diplomats or their family members were on board along with an unknown number of other Americans and other nationals.

They also include four Maltese.

The State Department said that the Libyan authorities had been "cooperative" during embarkation at As-shahab harbour in central Tripoli.

However Libya has been refusing landing rights for American aircraft in Tripoli.

Malta government sources said late yesterday that the catamarans may sail to Tunisia first before coming to Malta.

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