Many letters have been published about the bitter, sad fate of the asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons who arrive in Malta. They are traumatised, exhausted and full of fear and hope.

Remarkably little has been written about the people who carry out the rescue and search operations. There has been a lot written about political will or lack of support, about responsibility and legal authority, but almost nothing about those who go out day and night to save the lives of these often sick women and children.

The Armed Forces of Malta – different from most other armies with their history of battles won and lost – concentrate on saving lives and the prevention of civilian killings.

These AFM members are not only the crew of patrol boats but also those who are invisible, who take care that the patrol boats are operational and those who, in darkened rooms, make certain that communications are reliable, directing the AFM to the spot where they are needed. Search and Rescue is a jointeffort. It should be appreciated as such.

Having been a member of the Royal Dutch Navy and part of a rescue operation after the terrible earthquake in Agadir, in which 12,000 people died – a long time ago – I can imagine the horror which stays engraved in memories forever and ever.

Seeing the desperation of a drowning person and not being able to help is as sad as hearing the cry for help and not knowing where to find the person in the dark or at open sea.

Malta should be proud of the forces of survival in which their “arms” are the will to help.

May I suggest that a medal be awarded to the armed forces or to each member directly or indirectly involved.