Update 3 | Another 99 migrants disembark in Malta in busy day for AFM

Updated at 4pm with developments

The Armed Forces of Malta have rescued and disembarked a total of 370 migrants, with more rescue operations currently in progress.

An army spokesperson for the army said that a further 99 migrants were rescued by the its P52 patrol boat, and were brought to Malta this afternoon.

Earlier today the AFM rescued 271 migrants from boats were in distress inside Malta’s search and rescue area.

The first rescue operation saw the AFM rescue 63 migrants on Tuesday night by the P21 patrol boat. The same patrol boat shortly afterwards involved in a second rescue operation that saw another 61 migrants being rescued.

On Wednesday morning, the AFM rescued a further 147 people.

The number of boats departing north African shores has increased with the better weather conditions in the Mediterranean.