An illegal immigrant was reported missing after a boat carrying 28 migrants capsized as the migrants rushed to one side on seeing an army patrol craft approaching them.

The boat was about 27 miles south east of Malta and was being shadowed by the army who went to the rescue when the engine stalled, the Armed Forces of Malta said. The patrol craft crew successfully rescued 27 of the immigrants, including a woman.

The AFM said the patrol boat immediately conducted a thorough search and an army helicopter was dispatched on site to assist but there was no sign of the missing person.

The patrol boat left the area with the irregular migrants aboard at 7.30 p.m. and headed to Hay Wharf, Pietà, where the irregular migrants were handed over to the immigration police.

On Thursday night four children were among a group of 28 illegal immigrants who were escorted to Malta by the army. They were intercepted by the AFM just as they were approaching the shore at Wied il-Buni, Birzebbuga at 1.30 a.m.

The group consisted of 16 men, eight women and four children. The AFM said the boat was first sighted by personnel on a port pilot launch at the entrance of the bay.

The army was contacted and dispatched the Melita 1 rescue launch and a patrol boat. The police are trying to establish the nationality of the immigrants.