Libyan authorities have ended a stand-off with migrants by using rubber bullets and tear gas to force them off a car carrier in Misrata.

Dragonet Shipping's 750-ceu Nivin (built 1983) rescued a group of African people 12 days ago after their boat began sinking.

Fourteen migrants later left the ship, but 92 had refused to leave, saying they did not want to remain in Libya.

"A joint force raided the cargo ship and used rubber bullets and tear gas to force [them off the ship]," the commander of the central region coastguards, Tawfiq Esskair, told Reuters.

Some were reportedly wounded, but were now in "good condition" after treatment in hospital, he added.

The group had been trying to reach Italy.