Malta army rescues 84 migrants from stricken dinghy
The Maltese military has rescued 84 migrants from a dinghy floating adrift on rough seas, according to officials. The 77 men and seven women were found about 81 nautical miles off the south coast of Malta
The 77 men and seven women were found about 81 nautical miles off the south coast of Malta and brought ashore, the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) said.
Meanwhile, a cargo ship flying an Italian flag rescued 109 migrants coming from Libya, reports say.
Thousands of migrants heading for Europe arrive in Malta and Italy each year, often on unseaworthy boats.
The Maltese government called on the European Union for assistance last month following an influx of people.
It also refused to allow a tanker which rescued 102 African migrants to dock in Malta in August, despite instructions from the European Commission that it had a duty to do so on humanitarian grounds.
Italy let the tanker moor off the Sicilian port of Syracuse instead.
Struggling
Local media said the latest group of arrivals in Malta was the first since more than 1,000 migrants arrived on the island in July, making it a record month.
A spokesman for the AFM said it became aware of the distressed boat at about 12.15 (10:00 GMT) on Monday. The AFM went to its assistance, finding it to be powerless and adrift in rough seas.
Its patrol boat brought the final passengers ashore at 09:00 (07:00 GMT) the next day. No-one was believed to be injured.
The migrants reportedly came from mostly African countries such as Nigeria and Eritrea, as well as Syria, according to Maltese media.
Meanwhile, a cargo ship named Celia picked up another 109 migrants – reportedly including women and children – after their boat was seen struggling in high seas some some 30 nautical miles from the north African coast.
It was believed to have left the Libyan city of Misrata and was heading for Castellon de la Plana in Spain before it got into trouble.
The cargo ship was instead travelling to Trapani in Sicily, where coast guards said it was due to arrive later on Tuesday, according to AFP news agency.
simerrr2012 August 29, 2013
I just remembered people of the former Yugoslavia said as a joke during and right after the war: The president appealed to his people, to the last person who leaves the country not turn the light of so the country will not be in total dark. The same think is to our country when is the last person leaves the country? Friendly, we have to remind him/her to turn the light on in Asmara at least one can spot Asmara /Eritrea by night.
Tamrat Tamrat August 29, 2013
There is no electricity, dont worry.
ahmed saleh August 29, 2013
TEREGAM HAGER _ TEREGAM HIZBI , barking to the wrong tree , shame of us .
ERITRAWIT August 29, 2013
AYE HZBEI MISKINAI KALSI YEHWATNA NEZI AYNET HIWET.
weldeamlak August 30, 2013
Respected Asena how are you . Please , can you interview to Dr Aregawi about the past situation even though he did not remember the key leaders of Eritrea where there are , But since Mr Meles was a democrat he got the chance to skept becoming a Doctor Tell him that to comper him self with the Eritreas who are suffering this stupid dictator IA.
weldeamlak August 30, 2013
Respected Asena how are you . Please , can you interview to Dr Aregawi about the past situation even though he did not remember the key leaders of Eritrea where THEY are , But since Mr Meles was a democrat he got the chance to skept PEACEFULLY becoming a Doctor Tell him that to comper him self with the Eritreas HEROS who are suffering by
\
this stupid dictator IA.
Pleroma Rightousness September 3, 2013
Entay Ygeber Aya Zeyblu Hzbi …… Bejakhum Ab Diaspora Zelekhum Ertrawyan kemzi Zbele Ewan Halietkum Hagerawnetkumn Eter’elu Humot Eyu…… Kemhzbi Kem’ahwat Nhseb Ndenagetz….Gele gberu! Siga Entewedeqet Hammed Hiza Titnsi’e! Bezi Kemzi Megderatat Tefetinu Nab Rahwa Mis Atewe ….Ab Digis Nai Sha’ebya (PFDJ) Kedakhr Mis Mintay Mistekotzre! Ertrawyan ( The Diasporas) Libi Yhabkum!