The Maltese and Italian Governments are in talks to unite families who were separated in Friday’s tragedy off Lampedusa, Phelim Cavlan, from the Office of the Prime Minister said.

Speaking to non-governmental organisations he asked them to help with their experience and to keep an open dialogue.

The NGOs expressed their satisfaction at the way the Government handled the crisis.

Hotlines to help reunite families were set up by the Red Cross in Malta and Italy.

The meeting with the NGOs was addressed by ministers Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Helena Dalli, who told the NGOs what happened and explained how the Government was dealing with the situation.