The search was called off on Friday afternoon when it was believed that the immigrants were lost at sea. They had, however, been saved by a ship that took them to Tunis.

The AFM said that the manner in which the operation itself was coordinated as well as the decision to suspend search efforts “reflected absolute professionalism on the part of all concerned.”

The German warship FGS Koeln, which assumed the role of on-scene coordinator throughout the operation, managed operations in an organised, coherent and transparent manner, keeping Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) Malta informed of developments at all times, the AFM said.

The extreme weather conditions in the area, as well as the absolute lack of significant sightings of the boat itself or any part thereof, were taken into account when the decision was taken to suspend search activities. Such a decision was only taken after employing four surface vessels, two helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft in a concerted effort lasting 17 hours, the AFM added.

All search activities were undertaken in an area of probability indicated through the use of the AFM’s computer-aided search planning tools. These tools, which have proved their effectiveness countless times in the past, operate using internationally-approved methods. It must be understood, however, that no planning tool can provide a 100 per cent reliable solution.

Even after the search activities had been suspended, RCC Malta continued their involvement in the SAR case on two fronts. Firstly, they initiated a message, subsequently broadcast by Malta Radio, asking merchant vessels transiting the search area to keep a sharp lookout and report any eventual sightings.

Secondly, all possible assistance was offered to Italian units engaged in the continuing search. In fact, two Italian military aircraft landed in Malta for refuelling, the AFM said.

The AFM continues to follow the outcome of this case with interest, with a view to seeing what lessons can be learned and applied to future incidents as well as in order to ascertain what circumstances could have resulted in the craft being found so far outside the predicted search area.