A Turkish fishing vessel rescued migrants from a boat in distress in international waters off Malta on Sunday (7 June), after the overcrowded craft capsized in the central Mediterranean.
Italian coast guard teams recovered 10 bodies while search continued for others after the craft which departed from Libya capsized.
The vessel, operated by Istanbul-based Group Sagun and engaged in bluefin tuna fishing activities, spotted the boat in difficulty and brought survivors aboard the Tuncay Sagun 2.
Crew members on the Turkish fishing vessel pulled migrants from the water and provided initial assistance, including food and water, after responding to the emergency off Malta.
Crew members initially reported fatalities among those on the migrant boat, but no further details were immediately available.
Italy's coast guard later said a patrol boat had recovered the bodies of 10 people after the fishing vessel rescued 48 migrants from the capsized craft near Malta.
The coast guard said it was still searching an area approximately 52 miles, or 84 kilometres, southeast of Malta where the migrant vessel was reported to have capsized. The craft had around 60 people aboard, officials said.
Maltese authorities asked Italy's navy coast guard to dispatch a patrol boat to the area, according to the coast guard statement cited by AP.
The rescue operation therefore involved the Turkish fishing crew, Maltese authorities and Italy's coast guard as the search continued.
Officials said the migrant boat had departed from Libya with around 60 people on board, one of the main departure points for people trying to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa in small boats in the hope of reaching Europe.
The route has remained one of the most dangerous migration corridors in the region with thousands of people losing their lives each year while trying to make the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, mostly due to overcrowded crafts, long distances and rapidly changing conditions.
The European Union has an agreement with the Libyan government aimed at reducing the number of migrants flowing through the country. It has given Libya 700 million euros, or $824 million, since 2015, much of it to reinforce border management.
Italy's migration policy in the central Mediterranean has long relied on cooperation with Libya to curb departures, including support, training and equipment for the Libyan coast guard to intercept migrant boats.
The Tuncay Sagun 2 later left the area to transfer the rescued migrants to Maltese authorities, according to Reuters.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last m...
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" swee...
Russia’s fuel shortages are spreading into Central Asia, exposing the region’s heavy reliance on Russian petrol and diesel as governments race to ...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
AnewZ's Daybreak on 10 July covered mounting tensions in the Middle East, political developments in the UK, and major stories from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside key international news.
Ukraine is facing one of the most difficult moments of the war, as a convergence of corruption scandals, political turbulence, financial uncertainty and intensifying Russian offensives places unprecedented strain on the country’s ability to defend itself.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged China and North Korea to strengthen cooperation and maintain "strategic resolve" amid what he described as growing global instability. He made the remarks during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing on Friday.
British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister whose death was announced on Friday.
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment