Update 2: Immigrants rescued in AFM coordinated operation
Irregular migrants from Libya are this evening being rescued off Lampedusa, after they were reached by two Italian Guardia Costiera rescue-launches following a coordination operation handled by the Armed Forces of Malta.
Italian rescue co-ordination authorities in Rome notified Malta at around 9.15 a.m. that a boatload of migrants was located 42.4 nautical miles from Lampedusa, and 109.5 miles from Malta.
The AFM’s Rescue Co-ordination Centre established contact with the migrants via satellite-phone.
They said there were 170 females and 30 children among the group. Although they claimed that their boat was taking in water, they proceeded northwards to Lampedusa.
By the time the migrants’ boat was 37 nautical miles from Lampedusa late in the morning, Malta had already initiated rescue co-ordination efforts with the US Navy’s 6th Fleet headquarters in Naples, as well as other merchant vessel shipping in the area.
This was because Italian rescue assets were busy overnight with migrant boat rescue operations which obliged refuelling.
Concurrently, despite the severely bad weather in the area and the considerable distance from Malta, an AFM’s offshore patrol vessel set sail to the area.
Early in the afternoon, a NATO aircraft, having heard the AFM’s distress alert messages on marine radio, contacted Malta, and confirmed that the migrants’ boat was still afloat and heading north.
An AFM Islander was sent to the area, successfully locating the migrants’ 20-metre boat.
By late afternoon, two Italian Guardia Costiera rescue-launches out of Lampedusa were reported to Malta as heading to the migrants’ boat, with a third following.
As the AFM’s patrol boat continued steaming on its journey, the migrants were successfully intercepted by Italian rescuers some 19 miles away from Lampedusa, and they are now being escorted by Italian rescuers to port.
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Mr Paul Caruana
May 1st 2011, 10:43
Congratulations on the way this whole issue was handled. The AFM, while monitoring the situation, did not rush out to pick up the boat people - which is no doubt what the Italian authorities where hoping for.
Rather, once it was ascertained that there was no immediate threat to their lives, they allowed this boat to get closer to Lampedusa, at which stage the Italians realized that they had no choice but to go out and pull them in.
It is a cruel game, I know, but in the absence of any real help from the EU, there is little else we can do! Contrary to our equally harassed neigbbours, we do not have the luxury of transferring illegal migrants, coming in by the thousands, to a large mainland - any migrants that end up in our little Island we are stuck with indefinately.
Mr Kevin J Vella
May 1st 2011, 07:55
Irrespective of the different opinions on the illegal immigrant issue, I think we should all agree that at the very least the AFM are doing a sterling job in saving lives rather than causing strife, war and atrocities against the human race. Highly commendable and a great thanks on a model army
Chris Farrugia
May 1st 2011, 00:20
UPDATE - Rai uno news just said that the immigrants were closer to Malta when the Italians called the AFM and that Malta AS USUAL failed to send its boats again.
I don't care if they the mudslinging as long as they keep the stock :)
Mr John Azzopoardi
May 1st 2011, 00:15
I am always surprised that the international media never covers these kind of stories where migrants are in distress and it's all up to the Italians and the Maltese to save these people. Where is France. Where is Britain. It's these two nations who were so gun ho on the Libyan adventure. They created havoc along with Gaddafi and the whole issue is now almost never covered by the media. It's a good thing Malta stayed out of this situation as we don't want somebody elses problems. When you need help no one will come to your rescue. You are basicly on your own. Swim or sink as the saying goes. I have always says that all the EU does is impose laws on the ones who are small and all they do is talk talk talk. Enough of this nonsense. The Italians and the Maltese would do well to give a pass to the migrants and let them go on roaming to the other EU states as the way they landed on our small islands.
Mr Carmelo Aquilina
May 1st 2011, 08:43
@ Paul Chircop which all-white fantasy world do you happen to live in ?
Alfred Falzon
May 1st 2011, 09:48
@John Azzopardi
What logic is this?
Solidarity should remain the Maltese nation's hallmark!
The law of the jungle will never prevail over the great majority of the Maltese!
There is a way out, and that is cutting down to size despots who terrorize and butcher their unarmed civilians for daring to stand up to be counted!
Mr John Azzopoardi
May 2nd 2011, 01:06
Mr. Falzon what is your point. The law of the jungle is currently prevailing in Libya and more people are dying and given false hope. Don't you agree. I am firm believer that you go in and do the job quick. Nato does have the capability. If it didn't, then it should not have intervened. BEing in a war in Afghanistan is already straining resources.
Mr philip chircop
Apr 30th 2011, 23:08
Why oh why does Malta have to try to act big. The latest illegal boat people where nearer to Italian territory so why does Malta have to get involved. Italy is much more able and has much more resources to rescue these boat people. I ask you, would you trust the Italians ?. Italy can seem to be nice then stab you in the back. I certainly do not . If I did not have family in Malta I would not consider setting foot in Malta. Lets face it. Malta needs tourists and foreign investments in industry and being over burdened with illegals does not make Malta attractive. Sad to say that in years to come the Maltese will be the minority in Malta.
Phil Chircop
Mr Marco Cremona
Apr 30th 2011, 22:52
a lesson in solidarity
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/world/africa/29refugees.html?_r=2
Mr Marco Cremona
Apr 30th 2011, 22:43
Well done AFM. You are making us proud !
Mr John Azzopoardi
Apr 30th 2011, 16:56
If Malta is a democracy, we should demand a referendum to address the issue of illegal migrantion if the government and/or the opposition cannot handle the job. Malta is full up and there is no more room for nonsense on this critical issue. We should help people in distress and within a week should be repatriated or sent on the way to another country. Malta cannot have it's national security and identity tampered with.
Mr Anthony Borg
Apr 30th 2011, 18:11
Agree with you all the way Mr.Azzopardi.
- -
Why shouldn't the majority of the Maltese population have a voice on this issue!
The Illegal status of people arriving here "randomly" is as critical as the Divorce issue: on which our politicians ( in their great wisdom), have decided to wash their hands and hold a referendum.
We need leaders of stature to voice their concern and garner support from the people.
This speck of an Island belong to the People!
Mr Marco Cremona
Apr 30th 2011, 22:46
Mr. Azzopardi,
And what will your referendum question be then eh? Whether to let human beings drown? Whether we shall remain to be a part of the world or not?
What are you suggesting?
Mr Tony Camilleri
May 1st 2011, 00:13
Mr John Azzopoardi agree with you. The people must be consulted like they are being consulted on an issue of much lesser importance where our country and security is concerned.
Mr Carmelo Aquilina
May 1st 2011, 08:45
agree with Marco Cremona - here what decent country dliberates wheter or not to act in line with its civilised obligations under international treaties ?
Mr Anthony Borg
May 1st 2011, 16:11
@ Marco Cremona - if you can't swim, don't go bathing.
Mr John Azzopoardi
May 2nd 2011, 01:09
Mr Cremona, I think we all know what the question should be. It's in my comments. Cannot make it any more plain that it already is.
George Mifsud
May 2nd 2011, 10:52
@Mr. Azzopardi
Kont qieghed nahseb li nitlaq l-Awstralja u nigi Malta ghall kollox imma qieghed tghid li Malta "full up" mhemmx xi post fuq i-istaffa hux?
Other words what a load of ...
Mr Joe Xuereb
Apr 30th 2011, 16:26
Apologies that my last comment was garbled in places. I'm fairly rushed off my feet today (what with yesterday's excitment 'at the races'. She looked luvly, the bride. And the groom wasn't half dishy either).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raft_of_the_Medusa
I meant to add: is it not ironic the Medusa rhymes with Lampedusa. Ominous or what?! What do you want, strange cloud formations spelling it out. I know! I know! I'm fatalistic. I hold by track-records and our little neighbour has had enough of that already. Besides, I'm still Maltese after all these years. What else is there? I so don't take to watered-down identitites.
Mr Anthony Borg
Apr 30th 2011, 15:53
To various commentators: Why blame Italy ... they, like us are carrying the brunt of this prefabricated problem. The report states "...A boat which left north Africa ... is currently taking in water." It seems obvious to me that these people are taking to sea in unsafe sea-craft for the sole purpose of putting pressure on neighbouring states to "rescue them". Is tiny Malta to save the entire, war-ridden Middle east refugees?
- -
Our politicians from all the three parties, are threatening our livelihood by this unpracticable approach. We must simply say "No more" and send whoever is here illegally back. Our patrol boats should safeguard our territorial waters not tow in boat loads of people who want to resettle in Europe.
Ms D Galea
Apr 30th 2011, 15:47
Gheddafi's revenge for what HE considers is a western Christian crusade on him personally.
No Gheddafi, no immigrant problem.
Kenneth Galea
Apr 30th 2011, 15:34
@Robert Callus
Same old story Robert, you embrace illegal immigration whole-heartedly, same comments. It is a myth that Gaddafi was killing people before the armed gangs/terrorists started these protests. If Gaddafi was killing his people then Libya would NOT have had hundreds of thousands of workers.
The sub-saharan immigrants were kept in detention until their fairy asylum tales were processed. This was not a priority for Gaddafi or for any country in the world. So whether you Robert or the do-gooders like it or not these illegals MUST be kept in detention to establish first who they are. The detention facilities are certainly not expected to be those of a five star hotel.
Mr Robert Callus
Apr 30th 2011, 17:20
1) You evaded my question. Do you agree with forking out $6.3 billion for Gaddafi to keep people in cages or not?
2) If Gaddafi did not kill the protesters before, it's for the simple reason that they were too afraid to protest - for 41 years. What is your logic? "I'm not a murderer because as long as they stay quiet and obey I won't kill them"? Sure, makes real sense
3) Yes, while asylum seekers are in detention their cases are processed - IN MALTA. If you think this was also the case in Gaddafi's Libya you are completely misinformed. Hopefully it will be different in post-Gaddafi Libya
Mr David Farrugia
Apr 30th 2011, 15:16
This has nothing to do with Malta. Don't know why someone bothered to inform us.
Mr Joe Xuereb
Apr 30th 2011, 14:38
There are wise commenters aplenty on these pages; people who realise that, although there are legitimate refugees, immigrants, signed agreements, you name it - they realise that at the end of the day one can only put so many eggs in one basket, when it becomes a question of practicalities. For anyone who finds this commonsensical truth too difficult to grasp, here's a symbolic illustration. Forget the art, the appreciation thereof. The subject matter says it all; it's all there in technicolor on your monitor screen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raft_of_the_Medusa
I was saying: many commenters have no problem see the problem for what it is. But what about the people that matter, the leaders that lead us, the people who can guide and make decisions. And no, pushing people onto Italy or wherever is not a solution (this seems like a solution to those Maltese that Malta's problem would be solved if it were 'neutral'. Dream on babes!). The problem can only be solved at source. Recognise that and we'll be laughing. Unfortunately people with clout (the wrong type) abound. Heavyweights like Deo Cassar and one John Dalli, the EU Commissioner once in line for Malta's Premiership who thinks Gaddafi should be rehabilitated (again?) and everything will be fine and dandy. Aħjar Alla jagħtini paċenzja! (god give me patience! but loses something in translation).
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110429/letters/Warmongering-in-Libya-Prime-Minister-was-right-2-.362730
Malcolm Farrugia
Apr 30th 2011, 16:28
Well said miss Vella
Ms Louise Vella
Apr 30th 2011, 14:38
Before the agreement between Berlusconi and Gaddafi we used to get boats carrying 28 each. The agreement between Italy and Libya was a Godsend for Malta. It obliged Libya to patrol its own coasts and stop the boatfuls of illegal immigrants from leaving. Those that escaped anyway were pushed back by the Italians. Malta enjoyed a respite for one or two years. Since the war in Libya broke out, we've been seeing bigger boats, each carrying hundreds of illegal immigrants. This is far and away beyond Malta's means to cope. Dr Gonzi, the former President of Catholic Action, must understand this and must put Malta's national interests before all other considerations. the mass exodus from Libya that is taking place is even beyond Italy's means to cope. So the EU must defend itself by defending its southern borders. We need a srong Frontex, a coastguard with teeth, to show that Europe is not some welcome to all saloon.
Mr Charles Cremona
Apr 30th 2011, 13:57
This Summer could turn out to be a nightmare for Malta. There thousands of refugees in Libya waiting for the weather to improve waiting to cross the Mediterranean. If we don,t prepare for the expected influx we will have a crisis on our hands.Do not expect the EU to help they might take a few as a token gesture but we will have to face the problem. Italy might be testing the water to see if Malta will pick this latest batch which in opinion is an Italian problem and they should deal with it if we pick these people up then expect thousands more.
Kenneth Galea
Apr 30th 2011, 13:36
Whatever anyone says the only agreement which was solid and firm was that between Berlusconi and Gaddafi. We had NO illegal immigrants last year from North Africa etc, this summer is going to be the record of all the years we have been experiencing illegal immigration. It is clear that Gaddafi is punishing Berlusconi for taking Nato's side. The tax payers are fed of having to fork out for these illegals, the vast majority of them have no legal basis to stay in the EU. The word EU has become meaningless if these illegals come through the back door and are not deported. Eritrea and Ethipioa can take their nationals back, there is no war in these two countries. Where is Berlusconi keeping all these thousands of immigrants?
If Malta is seen to be working against Gaddafi we will be next to be targeted with an exodus, a punishment from Gaddafi! Then back to begging other EU countries rather that African countries to take few here and there.
Mr Robert Callus
Apr 30th 2011, 14:07
So for you it was Ok for the Italian taxpayer to fork out $6.3 billion to the Colonel to keep these people in inhumane conditions? The first installments of which Gaddafi is using to kill his own people?
How much do you think the Maltese taxpayer should have paid if we were asked to share THAT burden?
Mr carlos ellul
Apr 30th 2011, 15:23
The Italian taxpayer had a moral duty to pay because of Italy's colonial past in Libya. They ended up being forced to pay because Gaddafi wouldn't have stopped sending immigrants to Europe unless they do so. There are nations who aren't entertained with a tin medal for 'gallantry' and a standing ovation in the former colonialist parliament.
Malcolm Farrugia
Apr 30th 2011, 16:27
@ Robert Callus, Yes it was a good deal for Malta, we paid nothing to the mad dog, and at the same time no illegals made it to our shores.
Mr John Azzopoardi
Apr 30th 2011, 13:31
Enough is enough. Why doesn't the EU have a humanitarian fleet in the mediterranean to rescue these people and then take them to the EU countries where they don't see migrants. WHat about Luxembourg, Belguim, Ireland, Zlovakia, Rumania, HUngary.
Mr James Tyrrell
Apr 30th 2011, 12:52
They are 37 nautical miles south of Lampedusa and 105 nautical miles south west of Malta, so what has it got to do with Malta. If the Italians don't rescue them then Malta should either tow them back to Libya or issue them with a Schengen permit and a free boat trip to Sicily.
Ms Louise Vella
Apr 30th 2011, 11:18
This boat is clearly closer to Lampedusa than to Malta. I hope Dr Gonzi will not be bullied again by the Italians and forced to pick them up. Malta is full up. We can't go on like this taking in hundreds and thousands only to go begging to some country to take a few of our burden. Will Dr Gonzi hold a referendum to see how many illegal immigrants the common people of Malta want to have on our island?
Mr Joe Spiteri
Apr 30th 2011, 13:44
Govt. will only hold a referendum on 'more important' issues such as divorce. To Dr.Gonzi & Co., immigration is not a serious threat to our country, and this has been proven time and again by the lack of sound initiatives to combat this problem.
Mr carlos ellul
Apr 30th 2011, 11:09
The system should be radically changed. Immigrants should be first saved and then distributed across all Europe through well specified criteria or repatriated if possible. I can't see how our supposed Catholic government can keep on abiding to a treaty which forces Immigrants to stay here even if they don't want to.
Anyway the government should insist that these immigrants end up in Lampedusa as its the closest port to them and probably the immigrants prime destination. Considering the present system in place We can't keep on taking immigrants from the Italians hands.