The Malta-based Migrant Offshore Aid Station (Moas) sets sail tomorrow to embark on a rescue mission that will last until October.

This year, the international non-governmental organisation Doctors Without Borders is teaming up with Moas in its search and rescue operation off the Libyan coast.

Photo: Jason Borg

In a 60-day mission last year 3,000 people were rescued.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat visited the 40-metre rescue boat Phoenix this afternoon as the final preparations were underway.

Asked about criticism that the mission attracted people to cross the treacherous sea, founder Regina Catrambone said the tragedy on April 19, during which some 800 people lost their lives took place when Moas was not in operation.

The total number of deaths in the Mediterranean this year is believed to have reached more than 1,750.

A special EU summit last week to discuss the migrant crisis was held last week.