Two immigrants dead, one missing in rescue mission

Two illegal immigrants lost their lives and one went missing during a rescue operation being carried out by the Armed Forces of Malta, yesterday.

The army was last night bringing ashore 26 immigrants. There were 29 on board.

The incident occurred about 30 miles south off Delimara when the army patrol boat P 24 was dispatched to assist the migrants.

As soon as the patrol vessel reached the boat, the immigrants asked to be led on their way to Malta because they were tired and the sea was getting rougher.

As the boat was being kept under constant vigilance, it was noted that it was taking water and the army signalled to the immigrants that it would be better if they boarded the patrol boat.

As the operation got underway, the immigrants rushed to one side, leading the boat to capsize.

In the ensuing confusion, two of the immigrants lost their lives and one is missing.

The army was informed of the immigrants at about 5 p.m. by the general cargo ship, the mv Ilyas Efendiyev.

The army immediately sent an Islander aircraft to verify the immigrants' position. The patrol boat reached the immigrants at about 10 p.m.

Late last night, the army was searching for the missing person. The army is scheduled to continue the search at first light today.