Pregnant women among latest group of illegal migrants

Eight women, two of whom are pregnant, were among a group of 26 illegal immigrants intercepted on board a boat by the army yesterday.

The immigrants claim they are Somalis.

The 21-foot craft powered by an outboard engine was about some 23 nautical miles south of Malta, the army said.

The operation to track and intercept the boat, which took place at about 7.25 p.m., started when the craft was 60 to 70 nautical miles south of the island and proceeding shorewards.

The immigrants were brought ashore on board patrol boat P52. They were landed at the maritime squadron base, in Haywharf, Pietà, where the police took over.