A Maltese fisherman has told the Fisheries Department that while he was on the high seas, foreign military authorities had asked him to stop fishing and help in a rescue operation.

Sustainable Development Minister Leo Brincat said in Parliament yesterday that according to the Armed Forces of Malta, in such a situation they would be working with neighbouring countries’ armed forces to help with the rescue.

Under article 98 of UNCLOS, any vessel in the vicinity may be ordered to help.

Mr Brincat was answering a PQ by Ċensu Galea (PN).

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