Following several attempts by the Maltese authorities to convince 78 migrants rescued by the AFM on Saturday to disembark in Malta, and also lengthy discussions between Malta, Italy and the master of the merchant vessel ‘Tychy’ which had picked them up, it was decided that the migrants that were on board the latter vessel and who strongly refused disembarkation in Malta will now be taken to Italy.

The AFM said in a statement that it had taken all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all the migrants whilst Maltese soldiers also provided food packs to the migrants on board the merchant vessel. The AFM is continuously committed to provide assistance in Malta’s Search and Rescue Area and is also actively participating in Frontex Operation Triton, it said. 

Yesterday morning, five male migrants claiming to be of Sudanese origin and who were also on board merchant vessel 'Tychy', were disembarked at Hay Wharf base.