Four hundred and fifty civilians including wounded and sick were transported by ferry, from Putumattalan to Pulmoddai yesterday evening the ICRC said.

Spokesperson for the ICRC Sophi Romanens told "The Island" last night that the ferry accompanied by their officers left LTTE controlled Putumattalan at 4 p.m and reached Pulmoodai round 6 p.m.

"The injured and sick were transferred by Sri Lankan officials to the makeshift medical facility in Pulmoddai, established by India."

Romanens, said that a cargo vessel chartered by the government,left Trincomalee for Putumattalan around 6.p.m yesterday with 500 metric tonnes of food.

"The consignment of food provided by the World Food Programme, was also accompanied by our officers and is expected to reach its destination tomorrow(17) morning."