VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – At least five migrants died and eight were injured when a boat capsized during a rescue operation three and a half miles off Malta. The boat was carrying 34 people from Syria, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Egypt.
An Armed Forces of Malta patrol boat was dispatched to rescue those aboard the boat. During the rescue, the migrants moved to one side of the boat, causing it to capsize. The boat measured 25 feet in length and was powered by two motors. The Armed Forces of Malta was notified of a boat with several migrants aboard, close to fish farms off ?onqor, south of Malta, at around 10.45 am. The Maltese army deployed an airplane to confirm the location.
The Maltese authorities confirmed five migrants lost their lives, including a woman, while eight were hospitalized. Their condition is unknown. Another 21 were taken to the Safi detention centre.
On Friday afternoon, the Armed Forces of Malta were still searching for other survivors or bodies in the sea.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered and police investigations are ongoing.
– Photo Net News –
(ITALPRESS).
