Libyan authorities release 16 Tunisian fishermen arrested on September 29

Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - The 16 Tunisian fishermen, detained after their boats were boarded by the Libyan Coast Guard, were released and arrived Wednesday night at the fishing port of Mahdia (200 km south of Tunis).
 
The two boats of the Tunisian fishermen were boarded on September 29 in the Libyan territorial waters.
 
The relatives of the 16 fishermen converged at the port when they were informed of their release and collected the amount of money required by the Libyan authorities.
 
The boats and the fishermen were detained in accordance with the Libyan law, affirmed one of the fishermen, adding that they were well treated by the Libyan authorities.
 
"Libyan security forces escorted our boats up to 40 km offshore to ensure our safe return to Tunisia," he added.
 
Tunisian boats have been boarded in the past by the Libyan coastguard, particularly in December 2015 and February 2016.

-0- PANA YY/IN/IS/SOC/KND/VAO 3Oct2019