CHINGFORD: Aid worker kidnapped in Libya (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

CHINGFORD: Aid worker kidnapped in Libya

9:39am Thursday 11th November 2010 in Waltham Forest News Exclusive By Daniel Binns

Tauqir Sharif, pictured in Walthamstow earlier this year.

Scroll down for latest developments

AN AID worker has smuggled a desperate message to the Guardian after he and six other British citizens were kidnapped in Libya.

In a text sent this morning, Tauqir Sharif, of Warwick Road in Chingford, said the vessel bound for Gaza had been seized in the Libyan port of Derna at around 12.30am this morning UK time.

Mr Sharif had previously spoken to the Guardian when the flotilla he was travelling on was raided by Israeli troops earlier this year.

It is unclear who has taken the boat, although the kidnapping is believed to be linked with a financial dispute.

The boat was last seen sailing out to sea and is reportedly heading for Greece.

The Foreign Office says it has begun diplomacy to try and get the group returned unharmed.

Mr Sharif, 23, said: "We have been kidnapped at sea - this isn't a joke.

"I'm hiding my phone to get word out...we've been hijacked."

The convoy set off several weeks ago as part of the 'Road to Hope' campaign.

It has reportedly been at the Libyan border with Egypt for over two weeks awaiting entry to Gaza.

Seven UK nationals including Mr Sharif are thought to be on-board, along with three Libyans - including two port authority policemen and the manager of Derna Port, Colonel Salahuddin Rashin.

Two Irish citizens, a Moroccan and an Algerian are also said to be on board.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: "We are aware of the incident at Derna Port in Libya, and have been in close contact with the convoy organisers.

"Our embassy in Tripoli has been urging the Libyan authorities to resolve the situation rapidly and ensure that those caught on the ship are returned to safety."

Campaigners back in the UK say the people responsible for the alleged kidnapping are thought to be of Ukrainian and Greek origin.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY 'DEEPLY WORRIED'

Ellie Merton, chair of the Waltham Forest Palestine Solidarity Campaign and friend of Mr Sharif, said: "We think the ship is several miles out to sea in the Med now. They've been making slow but steady headway.

"We've no idea what [the hostage takers] are up to.

"They've set out to to sea with the back door open - it's criminally stupid. We all remember Zeebrugge.

"I just feel physically sick that something will happen to the international aid workers and the Libyan officials who are hostage on that boat."

The family of another 20-year-old aid worker from Edmonton who is on board the ship told the Guardian they were deeply worried.

His sister, who did not want to be named, said: "They were stuck at the border with Egypt for two weeks before this but they wouldn't let them through.

"The charity is just trying to help people out and that's why my brother went - nothing like this has ever happened to him before.

"We're very worried, we haven't heard from him and we just hope he isn't in too much danger."

Mr Sharif was on board another convey of boats bound for Gaza back in May when they were seized by Israeli troops in the Mediterranean sea.

Nine people, including friends of Mr Sharif, were killed in the raid.

UPDATE: 1PM

The Libyan Navy has reportedly sent four ships and is tracking the ship in open waters - but no force has been used.

Two fighter jets have also been deployed, according to campaigners from 'Road to Hope'.

They have also claimed that the captain of the ship has said he intends on proceeding to Greece where he will drop off the hostages.

UPDATE: 3.20PM

The Foreign Office has issued an updated statement: "We understand that the ship now is heading towards Greek territorial waters.

"Our Embassy in Athens has spoken to the shipping company and is also in close contact with the Greek authorities. "Our priority remains that there be a safe resolution to this incident."

UPDATE: 4PM

Fellow campaigner Muhammad Shabaz, 24, of Hale End Road in Walthamstow, has been speaking to the Guardian from Libya about what happened.

He said: "We paid about $70,000 dollars for the boat, and had donations from lots of people including locals in Libya.

"We were loading it and one of our vans had driven half-way up a ramp onto the deck when we were all ordered off.

"Some stayed behind to try and sort it out. But suddenly the ramp started to go up.

"Tox [Mr Sharif] and a few others jumped back on board, I tried too but I was pulled back by a policeman.

"The ramp went up so high no-one could climb up, and then the boat started to move.

"The boat was still moored to the side but the captain moved out and the ropes were all pulled up. It was very dangerous.

"There were some Libyan police on board when it moved off and the authorities said they wouldn't let the boat leave the port, but it did."

Mr Shabaz says he has been stuck in the port with around 50 other activists.

However, all their passports had been stamped to leave and now the Libyan authorities are apparently threatening them with detention in a hostel.

Mr Shabaz said: "I spoke with Tox earlier and he said they were doing well and trying to laugh about it. But I don't think they've been given much manoeuvrability on board. I haven't been able to get in contact with him since."

More to follow.

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