[WATCH] Malta takes in 82 migrants after 355 are rescued by Italian coast guard, navy

Busy night for Maltese and Italian rescuers as four boats laden with migrants have been intercepted between Malta and Lampedusa.

A baby among the group of migrants rescued by the AFM. (Photo: Ray Attard/MediaToday)
A baby among the group of migrants rescued by the AFM. (Photo: Ray Attard/MediaToday)

A group of African migrants who were spotted drifting on a dinghy some 68 miles south of Malta, are being brought to Malta on board two Armed Forces patrol boats.

The group, which is said to made up of 82 Somalis, also include 10 women, one of which is pregnant, and also a baby. The boat was the third out of four which were intercepted by Maltese and Italian rescuers throughout yesterday evening and this morning.

Videography & photography by Ray Attard/MediaToday

Italian coast guards coordinated the rescue of 104 Somali men on board a dinghi, which was assisted by tug boat 'Asso25' and another boat carrying 29 was rescued by the Italian navy ship 'Bettica'. These were all taken to Lampedusa.

Meanwhile, an SOS sent out via satellite phone, led the Italian Rescue Coordination Centre to inform Malta about another boat with 82 on board which needed assistance.

An AFM airplane spotted the drifting dinghy and coordinated the rescue.

The migrants are expected to be brought to the AFM's maritime base at Hay Wharf later during the morning.

 

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Il-Moderatur (Personali) Il-bierah bghatt kumment dwar dan l-avveniment, fejn fakkart fl-20 punt li kien habbar il-PM Dr. Muscat fl-20 ta' Marzu, 2009, kif dehru fis-sit Malta Star.com. ta' l-istess data. Hemm xi raguni specifika ghaliex ma gietx ippubblikat il-kumment ?.
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yes But we have to understand that in Somalia this is war and people with kids trying to leave country. If in Malta will be same situation maltese woman also will leave Malta, hoping to save own kids and own live. and if let say myself will came, let say To Russia, and all people will be against me. where I have to go???? to kill myself and my kids????? we Have understand that any person born on the Earth and have right to live in any country. This low of internatinal Union . Anather think what must to do goverment not only spend money for them but even charge taxed and implement to pay medical insurance for those immigrants who working. Plus as I see immigrants take work, which not take Maltese. cleaning. collecting rubbish. building. so it also important for country. no need to be agresive with them only because they have dark skin
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Today we save them, tomorrow they RAPE our kids. BLACK OUT
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@Louise Vella - should we start counting your comments?...government has changed but you remained the same old nagging commentator...get a life...
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I hope PM Dr.Joseph Muscat sticks to his guns and the 20 Point Immigration Action Plan he announced on Monday 20 March, 2009, as published in MALTA STAR.com of the same day. The principal points which Dr.Muscat should stress are No.11, European Pact on Immigration; No 12, Number of Immigrants; No.13,Suspension of EURODAC; No.14, USE OF VETO; No.15,Change in Dublin 2 Regulations. Actions speak louder than words. And we Maltese expect ACTION.....NOW before it is too late.
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MALTA TA KULLHADD,but it was only meant for the maltese or those who visit us for buisness or pleasure. we have our own problems to cope with ,whyb we should keep spending our money on people who came here illegally ,dont wont to work,dont wont to integrate with the locals,they just want us to feel sorry for them, keep feeding them and give them money as they lay in the sun, they open shops without permits, they drive cars without innsur& licsence,seems like they are above the law,etc etc etc SEND THEM BACK JOSEPH AND YOU WILL ADD ANOTHER 35000 VOTES NEXT TIME!!
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Just the other day on RT News it said that Russian police are being helped by locals who politely pick up all illegals and deport them, and I quote what was said: all these illegals are doing is, rape, taking jobs from the locals and bring more of them. On the same day Sky News said the Prim minister of Britain said that all those who over stay in the country will stop receiving social housing and social benefits, we have to stop giving money for nothing, the country can not afford it. . . . and us keep them coming after all we are the champions with 6 billion deficit to repay. Of course in our free press these news never reach the people.
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Mauro Miceli
how do you arrive at a total of 355 rescued by the Italian navy if they picked up 104 & 29? Even if you add 82 rescued by Malta doesn't come close to 355
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Mauro Miceli
how do you arrive at a total of 355 rescued by the Italian navy if they picked up 104 & 29? Even if you add 82 rescued by Malta doesn't come close to 355
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The government has changed but things have not changed. Will Dr Muscat now start repeating Dr Gonzi’s mantra? Should we start counting the number of illegal immigrants coming under Labour?