The Armed Forces of Malta have reported that yesterday at around 12.15hrs, the AFM Operations became aware of a boat with persons on board reportedly in distress.

The AFM operation centre immediately dispatched an AFM offshore patrol vessel P51 to monitor the situation and to render assistance if required. The boat with 77 males and 7 females on board was located 18 nautical miles south of Malta.

The AFM said that having assessed the situation with the dinghy now drifting in rough seas, the migrants were transferred onboard the AFM vessel.

The boat with the rescued migrants on board will be arriving at Hay Wharf base at around 9.00am this morning.

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