Fearful evacuees narrate their narrow escape from war-hit Sudan

Clutching overstuffed suitcases, bleary-eyed civilians described a harrowing escape from violence-wracked Sudan across the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia sobbing at memories of air strikes and urban combat.

Wheelchair-bound elderly women and babies asleep in their parents' arms were among nearly 200 people from more than 20 countries who disembarked from a naval frigate in the coastal city of Jeddah on Monday night after daring – and draining – journeys to safety.