A total of 28 immigrants were drifting on board an 18-foot boot. The Rescue Coordination Centre was informed by Malta Radio at about 10.15am that a local fishing vessel had sighted the vessel some 32 nautical miles southwest of Malta.

An AFM helicopter was dispatched to the area since some persons needed immediate medical assistance. A small child and a baby were airlifted by an AFM Alouette helicopter and taken to St Luke’s Hospital.

A further eight women and two men, in need of medical assistance, were taken on board the Melita I search and rescue boat and brought to shore before being transported to hospital.

The remaining 16 men who were on board the drifting boat – which had mechanical problems with its outboard engine – were brought to shore at Haywharf yesterday evening.