A total of 53 irregular migrants were rescued and 11 bodies recovered following a maritime rescue operation approximately 50 nautical miles east of Malta on Sunday evening.
Malta Vessel Traffic Services was alerted by a fishing vessel that had encountered a boat carrying migrants in distress outside Maltese territorial waters. Reports indicated that several individuals had fallen overboard while attempting to reach the assisting vessel.
The Rescue Coordination Centre immediately coordinated the response, directing nearby vessels to assist while deploying Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) assets to the scene. The Italian Coast Guard also participated in the operation.
All rescued migrants received medical attention, with one individual requiring urgent evacuation by an AFM helicopter.
The rescued persons and the recovered bodies were subsequently transferred to the relevant authorities upon arrival ashore for further assistance and necessary procedures.
Source: AFM Facebook
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