Over 100 immigrants were yesterday finally brought ashore from aboard a tanker, which has been anchored off the island for four days.

The 103 male migrants, including 10 minors aged between seven and 17, were transported to Pinto Wharf in Valletta from aboard the ship by two military boats in the afternoon.

Another 58, including 27 women, were brought ashore on Tuesday at Anchor Bay but the operation to transfer the rest was abandoned because of rough seas and strong wind.

A military helicopter on Monday braved gale force winds to airlift a pregnant migrant to hospital. Sources said she has since been discharged.

The migrants were taken aboard the tanker on Sunday after they sent a distress call by satellite phone to the army. A strong swell meant they could not be transferred aboard a patrol boat and the ship spent the night anchored on Hurds Bank. On Monday, it sailed to Anchor Bay, where it remained until Tuesday afternoon. Because of a change in wind direction, it then sailed to Qawra.

The tanker yesterday sailed to Valletta, where the army intended to transfer the migrants aboard two military boats. But, again, the operation was abandoned because of rough seas.

The ship was finally allowed to enter Grand Harbour and anchor in the fairway, where two military boats carried the immigrants to Pinto Wharf.

Sources said they were now in the custody of the immigration police and were questioned briefly. They will be allowed to recover their strength before further questioning.

The ship's tanks were brimming with unleaded fuel and sources said the ship's owners were furious because the shipment had been delayed. Its captain had also contacted the tanker's owners, informing them he was worried about his sailors' health and safety and that they could not accommodate so many people onboard.