The Libyan authorities yesterday refused to rescue 50 irregular migrants who were stranded in the Libyan search and rescues area before sea conditions improved, a spokesperson from the Armed Forces of Malta said.
On Thursday afternoon, the AFM Rescue and Coordination Centre was informed that two boats, which were both equipped with satellite phones, were located 46 nautical miles from the Libyan shores.
The AFM immediately informed the Libyan and Italian authorities about the case and contact was also established with one of the reported boats. Those on board confirmed their position and requested help.
Since the seas were reported to be rather rough at about 5.15pm on Thursday, Libyan authorities informed the AFM that they would review the case the following morning.
The AFM kept regular contact with the Italian authorities and contacted one of the migrants’ boats again at about 7.45pm. AFM officers advised them to change their course back to the south, given that weather forecasts indicated that sea conditions would worsen.The Libyan authorities were informed about the latest developments, but stated that the Libyan Coastal Police or navy could not conduct any patrols due to the bad weather.
Meanwhile, an Iranian-registered cargo vessel, the Iran Zanian, was located about 40 nautical miles from the two migrants’ boats, and the Libyan authorities were asked to contact the merchant ship, so as to guide its crew to assist the migrants.
The AFM was later informed that one of the migrants’ boat’s motors had ceased. Just after this happened at about 9.35pm, the Iranian vessel was about 26 nautical miles and a mere 100 minutes away from the migrants.
About an hour later, the AFM received a call from the ship’s captain, who said he feared the migrants would be armed and therefore would not take them on board.
While the AFM reaffirmed that the migrants’ boats remained in the Libyan search and rescue area, officers advised the captain to get further guidance from the Libyan authorities.
In fact, the AFM officers even informed their Libyan counterparts that the Iranian vessel required guidance on the matter. Less than 10 minutes later, however, the Iranian ship’s captain informed the AFM that the Libyan authorities had told them to proceed on their original course.
While the AFM requested a statement by telex of this alleged order, the Libyan authorities said they knew nothing about it, but they later said that another authority had issued the order.
Eventually, at about 1.45am, AFM received an email, in which it was stated that, based on the Iranian vessel’s captain’s own recommendations, Libyan authorities concluded it was not advisable to conduct search and rescue operations.
The Libyan authorities insisted they could not perform search and rescue operations due to the bad weather.
Requesting a fax statement of their future intentions, the Libyans stated that their offices were closed at night and no fax machine was available.
The AFM said it was doing its utmost to resolve the case in the best way possible.