80 Asylum Seekers Stuck In Malta’s Search And Rescue Zone Saved By Italian Authorities
80 asylum seekers that found themselves in distress in Malta’s Search and Rescue Zone (SAR) were saved by Italian authorities after Maltese authorities failed to act.
Over the last few days, alarms had been raised over 80 people reportedly in danger and distress in Malta’s SAR, with numerous calls made to Malta’s government to step in to help.
“The group of 80 people is still at sea! For four days now. The children on board are sick, everyone is dehydrated and starving. Waves are high. We fear that they might not survive another night out there,” NGO Alarm Phone said yesterday, who had been appealing for rescue for days.
“Planes circled above them, took pictures, and disappeared. Do not let them die!” it appealed.
Activists from pressure group Moviment Graffitti also called upon the Armed Forces of Malta and Minister for Home Affairs Byron Camilleri to save the distressed migrants.
“Their safety is your responsibility,” Moviment Graffitti said, addressing the government and the Minister.
“Moviment Graffitti calls on the authorities to save these people and provide them with the medical attention they require.”
However, Maltese authorities failed to act in time, and instead, Italian authorities reportedly brought the people back to land.
“We have learned that, finally, the approximately 80 people in distress were rescued by Italian authorities yesterday, after very long delays that could have led to a disaster. We are relieved they survived and hope all of them are well!”
Do you think that Maltese authorities should have stepped in to help?
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