The Armed Forces of Malta’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) has been involved in two rescue operations over the past hours.

Following the deteriorating medical condition of a rescued migrant, the AFM RCC dispatched the Italian Military Mission helicopter AB212 to conduct a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) off the vessel “Dignity 1” which launched a distress call yesterday evening.

An AFM rescuer was winched onto the deck of the vessel to assist the migrant; however, the MEDEVAC was deemed unsafe due to the weather conditions. The AFM rescuer remained on deck to assist the migrant and the MEDEVAC was completed this morning. The migrant was taken to Mater Dei hospital for further medical assistance.                                                                                     

In a separate operation, the AFM’s largest Offshore Patrol Vessel, P61, was involved in a joint FRONTEX TRITON operation conducted together with the Italian Coastguard and the Italian Customs Police.