Two Maltese catamarans chartered by the US government and an American company have finally been able to leave harbour in Tripoli and are heading for Malta.

The Maria Dolores and the San Gwann arrived in Tripoli on Wednesday and although boarding was smooth, their departure was delayed by two days because of bad weather.

Although matters have improved, the sea still remains rough and the journey to Malta is expected to take some eight hours.

The vessels, chartered from Virtu' Ferries, are carrying some 500 Americans as well as a number of Canadians and workers of other nationalities, including four Maltese. Arrangements for their trip were made by the Foreign Ministry.

A number of other vessels are also en route to Malta, including a vessel chartered by the Chinese government carrying some 2,000 workers and the British frigate Cumberland.