Rebels in the besieged Libyan city of Misrata are in a fierce battle with government forces for control of the port area.
The battle broke a short lull in the struggle for Misrata, the only city in the country's west that is held by rebels.
Shelling by pro-government troops has prevented hundreds of people from fleeing the violence.
A ship sent by the United Nations to pick up evacuees remained offshore as a precaution.
Across Libya NATO patrols and airstrikes are still trying to break the stalemate between the rebels and forces loyal to the leader, Muammar Gaddafi.
