Search for migrants' boat off Lampedusa
Italian coastguard units have launched a search for a boat carrying some 50 migrants. The boat reportedly left from the Libyan coast, the first since the overthrow of Col Gaddafi.
The migrants used a satellite phone to contact the Italian authorities late yesterday giving their position as some 70 miles south off Lampedusa. A second contact was made this morning, with the migrants saying their boat was taking in water. Sea conditions were rough.
According to the Italian press, no trace of the boat has been found yet.
The Maltese armed forces are coordinating the search and a Maltese maritime patrol aircraft is also involved in the search.
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Louise Vella
Nov 10th 2011, 16:24
This smells of blackmail. The Italians have the duty to go and pick up these illegal immigrants in this boat. They are refusing to do so because they know that Dr Gonzi will chicken out and, following his so-called Christian values, will send the AFM to pick them up and bring them to Malta. Dr Gonzi has recently been saying how much he has been working for the national interest. Even in matters of illegal immigrants, he must put the national interest above all other considerations. Otherwise Frattini will be proved right. Malta will become an island colony for parking illegal immigrants from Libya and Africa.
Mr Tony Gatt
Nov 9th 2011, 22:13
Isn't it great that they can afford a satellite phone!
Antoine Cassar
Nov 9th 2011, 22:02
As far as I understand, acts can be illegal, but not human beings.
Feel like doing some deporting? You could begin by deporting the xenophobes and insensitive hate-mongerers, irrespective of nationality or religion.
I hope the boat is found soon, with all of its passengers alive.
Kenneth Galea
Nov 9th 2011, 20:37
For God's sake we are going to start again??????????????? There are NO excuses now that Gaddafi is keeping these illegals in cages etc, this was always a fairy tale by the UNHCR. Gaddafi sadly is no longer with us and I hope these illegals if found are deported yesterday instead of tomorrow.
Juan Kalot
Nov 9th 2011, 21:14
Gaddafi SADLY is no longer with us ? - Are you talking about the same Gaddafi that was sending Africans to Europe ?
H. Psaila
Nov 9th 2011, 21:27
What sadly? You don't even know Libya and the oppression that the people lived under the Gaddafi regime. I worked there for several years and knew the feelings of the Libyan people that worked with me, stating that they wanted to get rid of him. So, you are saying Gaddafli was a good man? You should read and open your mind first before opening your mouth.
Steve Borg
Nov 9th 2011, 22:47
What a sad, sad comment. Mr Galea just re-read the rubbish you have just posted. Fine let's let these "illegals" all drown and get Gaddafi back shouldn't we???