The identity of three Malta-registered vessels allegedly stopped by the Libyan coastguard carrying 300 migrants remained a mystery yesterday, as the police did not receive details from their counterparts in Libya.

Libyan news agency Lana reported that the coastguard picked up the migrants, who mainly came from Mali, Gambia, Ghana and Senegal, northwest of the capital Tripoli late on Thursday.

Lana did not say where the “Maltese-registered boats” had been headed.

A spokeswoman for the Home Affairs and National Security Ministry said the Police Commissioner had not received any information from the Libyan authorities as of yesterday evening.

Those on board were taken to detention centres

She added that he had been trying throughout the day to ascertain more details but to avail.

Malta is a popular registration country for merchant shipping companies worldwide. Being registered under the flag of Malta does not mean that the crew and owners are necessarily Maltese.

Transport Malta, which is responsible for ship registrations, said: “Such incidents do not fall within our remit but we will liaise with the appropriate authorities, namely the police and Armed Forces of Malta, as necessary.”

Lana reported that those on board the vessels were taken to detention centres for processing by Libya’s department for illegal migrants.

Libya is a popular departure point for refugees and migrants attempting to reach the EU on boats.

The North African country is struggling with growing anarchy two years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.

The flow of refugees has also been fuelled by civil war in Syria and unrest in Egypt and other Arab and African countries.

An EU task force on irregular migration is set to report its findings to EU leaders at the December summit, scheduled for December 19 and 20.

The Maltese government has consistently said that Libya needs to be part of the solution.