On Thursday , Malta’s Rescue Coordination Centre was informed that a fishing boat carrying around 200 migrants was in distress and requesting assistance 285 miles South East of Malta.

The Maltese Rescue Coordination centre immediately diverted a merchant vessel, ‘Eleonora Maersk,’ that was in the vicinity to investigate further. Upon closer inspection and considering the worsening weather conditions (winds of force 6-7), it was decided to take the migrants onboard the merchant vessel.

Subsequently the merchant vessel steamed in a North Westerly direction and is heading towards Malta. Vessels from the AFM’s Maritime Squadron are currently taking the migrants onboard and are expected to land at Hay Wharf Base at just after midday today.

The above mentioned case unfolded in Malta’s Search and Rescue Region. Migrants, some of whom are women and children are claiming to be Syrian.

Photograph: AFM Press Office

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