A larger Captain Morgan vessel has been chartered by the government to replace one of two ships currently being used to house rescued migrants off the coast of Malta.

The government had initially chartered the Europa II and later chartered the Bahari. The latter is now being replaced by the bigger Atlantis.

The vessels are anchored 13 nautical miles out, just outside Maltese territorial waters.

The vessels are being used as a temporary solution to house migrants rescued at sea after the government closed the ports to migrants in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. Malta is calling on the EU to help with the relocation of the rescued migrants but has so far been unsuccessful.

The Bahari can take up to 300 passengers, while the Atlantis (main photo) can carry 500

Last week, the government said it is paying €3,000 per day for each chartered vessel. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Robert Abela had told this newsroom that the government is also insisting that the EU should pay for the boats.

According to reports, the Atlantis has been chartered because it has more space on board for the 110 people that were on the Bahari. Sources said, however, that the move could have come in anticipation of more migrant rescues.

According to the Captain Morgan website, the Atlantis can carry 499 passengers, while the Bahari can carry up to 300 people.