Update 10.10pm: The AFM said this evening that after enquiring on vessels that were in the area of operations, the AFM Operations centre established contact with the US Navy vessel, USS San Antonio that was just 60 nautical miles away from the migrants dinghy.

The US Navy vessel accepted the request and made way to the location indicated by the AFM.

The AFM said that due to inclement weather (Force 6 winds) and as a measure to expediate the rescue operation the US Navy vessel started embarking the migrants onboard and will be heading toward the Maltese Coast since Malta was the closest safest port.

The transfer of the rescued persons to Maltese authorities from the USS San Antonio is expected to take place tomorrow morning.

Earlier this evening The AFM said that a Malta King Air Aircraft had earlier in the day intercepted a dinghy that was floating some 75 nautical miles south west of Malta.

The AFM Operations centre had been coordinating the rescue operation and the AFM Offshore Patrol Vessel P61 was making its way in rough sea conditions in order to render assistance.

A large Merchant vessel was in the area providing temporary protection.

The dinghy had been reported to be carrying some 120 migrants all of whom are men and claiming to be hailing from Somalia.

Photograph – AFM Press Office.

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