The Armed Forces’ efforts to rescue 246 irregular migrants stranded at sea were praised yesterday by the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta and the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice.

In the hours preceding Friday’s rescue, JRS said its staff members were repeatedly contacted by relatives and friends of the migrants on board, who were frantic with worry about the fate of their loved ones.

They spoke of the desperation and exhaustion among the passengers, who claimed to have been at sea for days, and their fear they would not make it, JRS said.

“The immense relief we felt when we heard about the rescue brought home with renewed force just how much the rescue must mean to the people on board and to their families,” said Katrine Camilleri, JRS Malta director.

“It also emphasises the inestimable value of the work of the armed forces personnel coordinating and conducting rescues.”

Fr Edgar Busuttil, director of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, said the Armed Forces risking their lives to save others set an example.

Both organisations called upon the authorities to maintain their commitment to saving lives and to guarantee access to protection for those who need it.

They said migrants and asylum seekers continue to leave Libya because refugees are unable to obtain the protection they need and migrants risk ill-treatment, exploitation and abuse.