AFM airlifts two asylum-seekers to Mater Dei hospital

Two asylum-seekers were airlifted from a Spanish naval vessel and taken to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment after needing medical assistance yesterday evening, the Armed Forces of Malta said.

An AW 139 helicopter was dispatched to airlift the asylum-seekers following a request from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Rome.

In a statement, the AFM said the Spanish vessel is part of the fleet participating in the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), codenamed Operation Sophia. The military operation seeks to identify, capture and dispose of vessels used by people traffickers and human smugglers in the Southern Central Mediterranean.