The governments of France and Malta have taken a joint initiative to solve the current impasse with regard to the situation of MV Aquarius.

The 58 persons on board MV Aquarius will disembark on a Maltese asset in international waters, taken to Malta, then immediately redistributed to another four European Union member states. 

The operation will take place as soon as it is logistically possible.

A statement read that "the Government of Malta is participating in this effort on purely humanitarian grounds and without prejudice to its position on SAR activities, which remain unchanged."

"Considering the fact that the MV Aquarius has been deflagged, the vessel will proceed to its home port to rectify its stateless position.

"The governments of France and Malta remain committed to a multilateral and proactive approach based on the rule of law and solidarity."