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Updated - Malta is today handling close to 1,100 workers evacuated from Libya in the busiest day in Grand Harbour for evacuations in the current crisis.

Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

The MV Bridge docked in Malta at 11.15am carrying some 800 Philippine workers picked up from Benghazi and Misurata. The ship, chartered by the Philippine government, is also carrying five Maltese and nine workers from other countries.

The Foreign Ministry said the bringing over of Maltese workers was possible following arrangement made between Foreign Minister George Vella and his Philippine counterpart Albert del Rosario.

The Filipinos are to remain on board the vessel until 8.30pm, when they will disembark to be taken to the airport in a fleet of buses. From MIA, they will be flown out to Manila.

The Bridge's arrival follows that of the Virtu Ferries catamaran San Gwann, which was carrying 302 Indian and Korean nationals. The trip was organised by Daewoo.

The catamaran departed Zuwaytinah south west of Benghazi yesterday afternoon.

The activity in Grand Harbour this morning coincides with the commemoration of the arrival of the Sta Marija convoy in August 15, 1942, although on that occasion - in vastly different circumstances - it was the men on the ships who saved the island.