Eight people were rescued by the Armed Forces of Malta in two separate incidents this afternoon.

The army said in a statement it took a powerboat passenger who required medical assistance to its Haywharf basefrom where he was taken to Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance.

It also rescued seven foreigners from a yacht following a minor incident on board.

They were taken on board a search and rescue launch to Mgarr harbour while their yacht was towed to safety by the Mgarr Port authorities.