Missile hits civilian boat off Lebanon-Israel

JERUSALEM, July 15 (Reuters) A missile fired at an Israeli naval vessel off Lebanon hit a civilian boat, possibly from Egypt, the Israeli army said today.

A spokeswoman said those on board were believed to have been evacuated, adding it was unclear if there were any casualties.

After initially saying the missile had been fired at an Israeli vessel in a fresh strike early today, the spokeswoman later said it might have been part of an attack late yesterday when an Israeli warship was badly damaged.

Israeli media said the damaged missile ship was hit by an airborne drone packed with explosives.

Four Israeli troops were missing after the warship was hit in an attack claimed by Hizbollah, Al Jazeera television said, as violence escalated between Israel and the guerrilla group.

REUTERS SRS BD0602