Mario Axiaq, aged 48, from Żabbar, who had been reported missing by his family on Wednesday evening while fishing from his 13-foot boat, was rescued yesterday morning by the Armed Forces.

He was located some 45 nautical miles northeast of Malta by an AFM helicopter at around noon .

Mr Axiaq had sailed out of St Thomas bay two days before at around 5am, but failed to make it back by the evening.

His condition does not look to be particularly distressing, even though upon his arrival at the St Luke’s helipad, he was taken out of the helicopter on a stretcher.

He was then transferred to Mater Dei hospital for observation and further medical checks.