By Libya Herald staff.
5 January 2015:
One person, possible two people, have been killed in an airstrike on a Greek-owned tanker at . . .[restrict]anchor off Derna. According to insurance officials in Greece quoting the Liberian-flagged vessel’s master, the Araevo, owned by Aegean Oil, was hit at 13:30 hours yesterday while anchored at Derna awaiting discharge instructions.
The vessel had been chartered by the National Oil Corporation to deliver oil from Zawia to the power station in Derna.
“A rocket exploded on vessel’s deck and, as a result, two crew members, a Greek engine cadet and a Romanian ordinary seaman, were killed whilst another two crew members (both Philippino nationals) (sic) were injured”, the insurers said.
They added that the local authorities were informed who arranged for both the injured men to be transported to a local hospital.
The remaining 22 crew members – 19 Filipinos, two Greeks and a Romanian – were said to be in good health onboard the tanker. ? It has suffered damages but there has been no oil spillage. It is reported to have since sailed to Tobruk. According to an official there, only one crew member was killed. The two tho were injured are reported to have been discharged from hospital.
The airstrike is believed to have been carried out by the LNA, although yesterday, a LNA official denied any such action. The LNA had said on several occasions that it would target vessels heading to Derna. [/restrict]
