The armed forces did not waste any time in putting its new rescue equipment to use, as a newly kitted-out patrol boat missed its own inauguration to carry out the rescue of the 106 migrants yesterday.

The €1.7 million equipment, aimed at upgrading two patrol boats, was co-financed by the EU External Borders Fund and consisted of two new Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), two electro-optical infrared cameras and three specialised multiband radios.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new equipment yesterday morning, National Security Minister Manuel Mallia said the purchase of such equipment was an investment in the country as a whole.

“You are out there saving these migrants and you know better than anyone else the realities of the effects of limited resources,” Dr Mallia said.

EU Funds Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg said the Government currently had 55 projects related to national security being implemented.

He said the money available for this equipment was just “the tip of the iceberg” as the EU External Borders Fund had allocated a further €21 million to Malta this year.

“This is the largest amount ever allocated. We are committed to seeing these funds absorbed as best possible to strengthen the work carried out by the AFM,” Dr Borg said.