[WATCH] Army rescues 257 migrants at sea

Armed Forces of Malta bring in 257 migrants rescued in Malta's search and rescue area - they include Syrian and Palestinian asylum seekers

The toddler was handed over to AFM paramedics . Photo by Ray Attard
The toddler was handed over to AFM paramedics . Photo by Ray Attard
The six-month old baby will be taken to Mater Dei hospital. Photo by Ray Attard
The six-month old baby will be taken to Mater Dei hospital. Photo by Ray Attard
Migrants rescued by AFM arrive at Haywharf • Video Ray Attard

Three adults, an infant and a six-month old baby girl, all from the same family, were brought to Malta on an AFM rescue launch this afternoon because of the deteriorating medical condition of the baby.

Later this afternoon a total of 257 migrants were brought in at Hay Wharf base by two AFM Maritime assets. P52 brought in 147 migrants while P24 had 105 migrants on board.

Earlier today, the migrants were rescued by the Armed Forces of Malta and one of two patrol boats involved in the rescue mission arrived at the AFM maritime base at Haywharf at about 4:45 pm.  The vessels carrying the rest of the migrants were delayed because of the rough weather conditions.

The nationality of the rescued asylum seekers is not yet known, however AFM sources said that the group might include Syrian and Palestinian asylum seekers.

The migrants were rescued in Malta’s search and rescue area after a merchant ship spotted the migrants who were in distress.