UPDATE 4: Missing fisherman found alive - says there was explosion on boat

Adds report of explosion on fishing boat by rescued fisherman.

Simon Bugeja, one of the fishermen on the Maltese fishing boat Simshar reported missing for the past week, has been found at sea alive. Mr Bugeja was pulled from the sea by the vessel Grecale and has been ferried to hospital by helicopter. He has suffered burns.

Informed sources said that Mr Bugeja told his rescuers that there had been an explosion on the boat. He said he had been in the sea near his son Theo, 11, until shortly before the rescue. He had last seen Theo on a float but he was believed to be dead. He directed the rescuers to the son's last known position.

Earlier two other fishermen on the Simshar, Noel Carabott, and Carmelo Bugeja (Simon Bugeja's father) were found dead. Mr Carabott was found by a merchant ship late yesterday 60 miles south west of Malta and brought to Malta early this morning. Mr Bugeja is due to be brought to Malta on a patrol boat late tonight.

Also still missing is an Ethiopian fisherman who had also been on the boat.

The Simshar (picture) had been due back in Marsaxlokk a week ago. An extensive search was mounted between Malta and Lampedusa by aircraft from the AFM and Italian and American units. A number of fishing boats also took part while merchant ships were alerted to keep a lookout.