Three crew members of a ship that broke in half in rough seas were rescued by the Armed Forces of Malta.

Malta's Rescue Coordination Centre was informed, at around 9.30pm on Wednesday, that the Motor Tanker Lady Sandra had suffered extensive damage and was taking in water.

The Armed Forces of Malta immediately deployed the MELITA 1 Search and Rescue Vessel and an AW139 Helicopter to the location, which was 13 nautical miles East-Northeast of Malta. 

Once the rescue vessel arrived on location, the three crew members of the tanker, two Egyptians and one Romanian national, were found in the water.

The crew had to abandon ship, and their life raft ruptured. They were immediately transferred on the AFM vessel and brought safely to Hay Wharf Base, Malta. Medical assistance was not required, and the Immigration Unit from the Malta Police Force were called in for further assistance. 

The Master of MELITA 1, stated that, "it was a different rescue than others. We risked our lives, as there was a very big swell and strong winds. As we approached the life raft, we quickly transferred them on board our vessel. We thank God that everyone is safe."

The duty Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator stated that, "it was the result of coordination between the AFM's Rescue Coordination Centre, the AFM assets, and also other ships in the area which rendered assistance that made this mission, in such severe and inclement weather conditions, a success."