The Armed Forces of Malta have rescued 87 migrants and will be bringing them to Malta, a DOI statement said.

Following a notification concerning a wooden boat with 87 migrants on board on the evening of the 4 March by MRCC Rome, the Armed Forces of Malta located the wooden boat some 30NM South of Lampedusa. 

An Italian naval asset operating under FRONTEX in the vicinity was dispatched to render assistance. However, said vessel was unable to provide any assistance due to technical faults.

The AFM’s P52 rescued all migrants on the night of 5th March 2019 and estimated time of arrival at Hay Wharf Base is at 0830hrs.