Intercepted boat heads south... with ambulance

A Tripoli-registered tugboat which was intercepted off Malta last Sunday and later escorted to Grand Harbour, left Malta yesterday morning, heading south and carrying an ambulance.

The boat had a crew of six Libyans, claiming to be fishermen and port workers.

They said they were on their way to Benghazi to join the rebels but had to divert to Malta due to inclement weather.

Thorough police investigations ensued amid suspicions thatthey were not telling the truth.But eventually their story wasconfirmed.

The Sunday Times cannot reveal the destination of the tugboat so as not to put those on board in danger, but sources confirmed they are now cooperating with an aid agency.

The government, police and Armed Forces of Malta have all remained mum about the incident.