Grim news started the week this morning as the Armed Forces of Malta confirmed that 11 people died in a shipwreck off the Maltese coast after a boat carrying irregular migrants capsized east of Malta. The incident took place approximately 50 nautical miles east of Malta, outside territorial waters, according to a statement issued by the Armed Forces of Malta.
The AFM said that Malta Vessel Traffic Services was notified yesterday evening by a fishing vessel about a boat carrying irregular migrants in distress.“Information received indicated that several individuals had fallen overboard while attempting to reach the assisting fishing vessel,” the AFM said. The Rescue Coordination Centre immediately instructed the fishing vessel, together with other vessels in the area, to assist in the rescue operation. AFM assets were also deployed, while the Italian Coast Guard assisted as part of the coordinated response.
According to the AFM, “a total of 53 irregular migrants have been rescued, while 11 bodies have been recovered.”
The Italian Coast Guard had earlier said that one of its units was already at sea on institutional duties when it was asked by the Maltese authorities to cooperate in a search and rescue operation in Malta’s area of responsibility. The Italian Coast Guard said the vessel had departed from the Libyan coast and was carrying around 60 people.
“The vessel, which departed from the Libyan coast and was initially followed by the competent SAR authority and subsequently by the Maltese one, was sailing with about 60 people on board,” the Italian Coast Guard said. It added that a fishing boat in the area rescued around 48 people alive, while an Italian Coast Guard SAR patrol boat recovered 10 bodies. The number was later revised upwards by the AFM to 11 bodies recovered.
The AFM said all recovered persons were given immediate medical attention. One person required urgent medical care and was evacuated by an AFM air asset.“Following the operation, all rescued persons and recovered bodies were transferred to the relevant authorities upon arrival ashore for further assistance and necessary procedures,” the AFM said.Search and rescue operations were coordinated by the Maltese authorities.
More than one thousand immigrants are estimated to have died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea this year.
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