The Armed Forces of Malta have reported that a rescue operation was triggered in the very early hours of Saturday by alerts initially received by Italian rescue authorities in Rome, news of which was coordinated with the AFM’s Rescue and Coordination Centre.  The dinghy was located 50 nm south of Dingli. A King Air Aircraft from the AFM Air Wing was scrambled to the area, together with an a Protector-class patrol vessel P52 which transferred the irregular immigrants onboard early in the afternoon.

The number if immigrants saved is 113 which includes 38 women, 74 men and a baby. They are claiming to be Somalis.

AFM Patrol vessel P52 is expected back at its home berth at the Maritime Squadron of Haywharf, Floriana at 16:30 hrs.

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