Updated | AFM search and rescue operation locate missing fishing vessel

A search and rescue operation by the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) has successfully located an Egyptian-registered fishing vessel which was previously reported missing.

Members of the AFM were deployed to the operation after relatives of the eight-man crew on board the vessel Zeinah al Bahreen, said none of them made any contact.

The Egyptian Consulate for Malta launched the initial call for assistance after the relatives raised the alarm.

However, the Armed Foces of Malta Operations Centre managed to establish contact.

The captain on board the vessel claimed to have had engine problems during its voyage. The fault have now been fixed by the crew and the vessel resumed on its way towards the Egyptian coast. 

A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, an Alouette III helicopter as well as the Offshore Patrol Vessel P61 were engaged to perform search patterns in an effort to locate the vessel.

Neighbouring Rescue Coordination Centres was also informed to assist accordingly while the rescue operation is being carried out in conjunction with an aerial platform provided by the United States Sixth fleet.