VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A migrant monitoring group has accused Maltese authorities of failing to respond to distress calls before a boat carrying about 35 people capsized in Malta’s search and rescue (SAR) zone, leaving as many as 20 feared dead. Alarm Phone said it had alerted Maltese authorities on Thursday about the vessel in distress but claimed officials “failed to act” before the boat overturned. “We cannot express our anger at yet another group consciously being left to die,” the group said, accusing Malta of deliberate inaction.
At least one person has been confirmed dead and 11 rescued after the incident, which occurred roughly 50 miles southeast of Lampedusa. A major rescue operation, coordinated by Malta, is ongoing with the participation of Italian coast guard vessels, Frontex aircraft, and a merchant ship.
The operation reportedly began when an Italian aircraft spotted the vessel and dropped a life raft. Four survivors were initially taken aboard a merchant ship and later transferred to an Italian coast guard vessel, which also recovered one body. Italy’s coast guard said patrol boats from both Malta and Italy are continuing to assist, while survivors have indicated that around 30 people were on board when the boat capsized.
Alarm Phone’s allegations echo long-standing criticism of Malta’s handling of migrant emergencies in the Central Mediterranean.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
