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Italy insisting Malta rescues 600 migrants on boat just 40 miles from Lampedusa
UPDATED | The Italian Coast Guard has refused to rescue an estimated 600 migrants on a boat that launched an SOS at 40 miles off Lampedusa and 100 miles from Malta.
30 April 2011, 12:00am
Karl Stagno-Navarra
Karl Stagno-Navarra
The Armed Forces of Malta have not given any information yet, but senior government officials have confirmed that the migrant boat is currently being monitored as it continues to steam towards Lampedusa.
"The boat is battling extreme weather conditions with Force 6 winds and three meter waves, but seems to be en route to Lampedusa," the official said.
The Italians are insisting that the migrants are in Malta's Search and Rescue Area and should be dealt with by the Maltese.
The migrants who said they are fleeing Libya, have launched the SOS by satellite phone.
