AFM coordinates successful rescue of asylum seekers

RCC Malta at Luqa Barracks coordinated the search-and-rescue (SAR) operation within the Maltese SAR region with the Tunisian and Italian Maritime rescue coordination centres.

Merchant vessels navigating in the area of the last known position of the boat with migrants were purposely alerted to keep a sharp lookout during their voyage.

Whilst one merchant vessel steamed to the area to assist, the Tunisian authorities also dispatched two patrol vessels to locate  the migrants’ boat adrift. 

Early in the afternoon, the two Tunisian patrol vessels intercepted the migrants’ vessel, which had  a party of mixed Asian and African nationals onboard claiming to have left from Libya.

They were later taken to the nearest place of safety in Tunisia.