More illegal immigrants reach Malta

Another 80 illegal immigrants landed in Malta yesterday, putting further strain on the country's overstretched accommodation facilities for immigrants.

Seventy-six men and four women, mainly from Liberia, berthed at Hay Wharf at 6.15 p.m. following a lengthy operation.

An AFM spokesman said their 40-foot boat was spotted some nine miles off Wardija point by an Italian Military Mission AB 212 helicopter at about 11.30 a.m.

The boat, which was anchored, appeared to have broken down and its passengers were requesting assistance.

Two AFM patrol boats and a helicopter were dispatched to the scene.

Due to the high risk involved, a transfer of the illegal immigrants from the boat to the AFM patrol craft could not be effected and a more sheltered area was found to Ta' Cenc where the boat was towed, the AFM said.

When the transfer of the immigrants was completed, the boats proceeded along the east coast of Malta to Sa Maison where the immigrants were disembarked.

The immigrants were assisted by the AFM boats, a patrol boat and an Alouette III helicopter.

The AFM said that the immigrants were split into two groups and six of them including four women were taken to an AFM barracks while the remainder are being taken care of by the police.

The illegal immigrants' point of departure has not yet been established, though they were found to be in relatively good health.

Yesterday's influx was the third in the space of a week, following the landings in Malta and Gozo on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

Over 1,200 illegal immigrants have already landed in Malta this year - the highest figure ever.

Sources said some of the new arrivals would have to stay in tents put up in Hal-Safi because the facilities at Ta' Kandja, the Hal-Far Immigration Centre, and Safi Barracks were stretched to the limit.

Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said talks were being held with the Libyan government over an agreement to repatriate all illegal immigrants reaching Malta from Libya.