The Civil Society Network has demanded an explanation from the Government regarding the 270 people who were reportedly in distress in Malta's Search and Rescue Zone. "Thus far there has been the usual silence from this government."

"According to NGOs that observed the zone, Maltese authorities did not carry out their duties" as they did not rescue the hundreds of lives "which were probably under Maltese responsibility."

"This is a serious accusation that implies not only moral bankruptcy, but a serious breach of international law. The Maltese people and the international community deserve an explanation form the Maltese Government regarding the fate of these people, who were in the Maltese SAR Zone."

On Saturday, NGO Alarm Phone said that two of the three boats in distress were rescued to Lampedusa after three days of non-assistance. "We are happy they survived this terrible journey and abandonment at sea.  The fate of the 110 people South-West of Malta is still unclear."

Later, another NGO, Sea Watch international, said: "Moonbird searched in vain for around 100 people spotted after Alarm phone's SOS and of whom there is no more news. The Nordic Star was instructed to move away after the arrival of a Maltese patrol boat, but there is no news of any people disembarked in Malta."

The Civil Society Network said that the Maltese Government is responsible for protecting the lives of everyone in its jurisdiction. "The established SAR Zone, while not instructive of where to disembark rescued people, obliges the state to coordinate the rescue of imperilled lives, irrespective of their identity or nationality. "

"The allegations made against the Government merit an explanation on the Government's treatment of the value of life. CSN asks if our waters are protected, or if the Maltese Government is coordinating breaches of fundamental human rights or illicitly delegating their responsibilities to other states."