Official statistics indicate a substantial decline in the number of illegal immigrants brought ashore last month in comparison to July.
On the other hand, the figure is still higher than any other August while July had the highest figure of any month on record.
According to a government headcount, the total number of illegal immigrants brought ashore last month was 505, 289 fewer than the preceding month's 794.
The weather is a significant factor in the number of illegal immigrant arrivals. Last month the conditions were less predictable or stable than in July, explained Colonel Emanuel Mallia, who is in charge of the armed forces' operations in this sector. From experience, he feels the number will continue to decline.
In the past eight months, 2,195 illegal immigrants have been brought ashore. This surpasses all previous annual figures and brings the total number of illegal immigrants to have been landed in Malta to 11,075, amounting to 2.77 per cent of the islands' population.
Criminologist Saviour Formosa has collected data from official statements and compiled it into tables, graphs and maps published on his internet site at www.crimemalta.com.
The statistics indicate an increase in the number of women and children, including infants, making the crossing.
According to the same statistics, the total number of illegal immigrants brought ashore in August was 504. The difference of one illegal immigrant to the government's headcount is negligible and a result of the confusion that arises when processing a boatload.
But Dr Formosa has gone further than official statistics and described a number of incidents. This year, for example, illegal immigrants claimed that 91 have been lost to the sea, 70 of which just last week.
Of the total boatloads, about a third were intercepted metres from the coast. Of these, most made it to Birżebbuġa, Qrendi and Siġġiewi. Others landed at Xlendi, Mellieħa, Floriana, Mġarr (Gozo), Ċirkewwa, Sliema, Marsaxlokk and Delimara.
Also included in the statistics is one incident where, rather than a boat reaching the island, a boatload of migrants attempted to leave.
Clicking on an interactive map launches a pop-up listing a range of information compiled about specific incidents.
Dr Formosa explained that the service aims to assess illegal migration as it develops over time and to help one understand the realities of the occurrence in figures, graphs and maps and from spatial and temporal perspectives.
In general, the website is the result of Dr Formosa's continuous research in the field. It reviews all criminal activities at the macro (national), meso (sub-national) and micro (localised) levels as well as giving information about the supra-macro (international) activities that affect the island.
kbugeja@timesofmalta.com