Another 284 immigrants arrived in Malta today, adding to yesterday's 538 arrivals.

The immigrants, who came from Libya, are mainly Eritreans but there are also some Ethiopians and Sudanese.

They include 72women and 32 children, aged up to three years.

The immigrants, who claimed to have left Libya two days ago, had to be towed to Cirkewwa by an AFM patrol boat as their ship's engine broke down half a mile off Gozo.

Once landed and searched, the immigrants were taken onboard both military and police transport to the police headquarters for processing by the immigration branch, the AFM said in a statement. Their fishing boat was towed to Haywharf.

Speaking in Geneva, a UNHCR spokesman said today that more than 2,000 non-Libyans fled Tripoli by boat to Italy and Malta in the last four days, stretching reception capacities for people possibly in need of protection.

The spokesman said that the UNHCR was discussing contingency planning with the Italian and Maltese authorities and the Red Cross, as there wereindications that more arrivals from Libya could be expected.

UNHCR said it was grateful to Italy and Malta for their reception of the new arrivals and urged other European Union countries to demonstrate solidarity with the two countries.