The Virtu Ferries catamarans Maria Dolores and San Gwann have returned to Grand Harbour after their second rescue trips to Libya.

They arrived from Tripoli with more than 400 passengers, including the Maltese ambassador, George Cassar and the Portuguese ambassador to Libya.

14 Maltese workers were on board the Maria Dolores - the first to berth - along with 178 other passengers.

At least one of the catamarans is expected to make another six-hour trip to Tripoli tonight, the third since the crisis erupted.

In their first trip on Friday the catamarans rescued hundreds of Americans, including diplomats and oil workers along with workers from Malta and other countries.

As previously, tonight's arrivals were greeted by paramedics and staff from the Civil Protection Department who offered food and medical attention.

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