The International Organisation for Migration has called on NATO and Libyan authorities to allow a rescue ship to dock in the port of Misrata in order to evacuate 1000 African migrants and dozens of wounded Libyan civilians.
The Red Star One, a chartered vessel, has been waiting off the besieged city since the weekend.
The group says two severely wounded people have died in hospital during that time while awaiting evacuation.
The port is a lifeline for the besieged city and has been under heavy bombardment by Muammar Gaddafi's forces.
