Five Migrants Die During Rescue Operation in Malta: SAR Malta Calls for Public Inquiry

Five migrants died on Friday, February 23, 2024, after their boat capsized during a rescue operation by the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) in Maltese territorial waters. The survivors, including a pregnant woman, were taken to hospital for medical attention. However, 21 of the survivors were then taken to a detention center in Malta.

SAR Malta, a network working to end pushbacks, non-assistance of people in distress, and other human rights violations at sea
, condemned the loss of life and called for a public inquiry into the circumstances of these deaths. The organization also called for the immediate release of all survivors.

SAR Malta said that the migrants were from Egypt, Syria, Ghana, and Eritrea and were seeking a better life and a safe haven. They added that the Maltese authorities have a responsibility under international law to rescue people in distress in their search and rescue zone.

The organization also welcomed the fact that the AFM made public comments about the rescue operation. They said that they hope this will become standard practice and that more information will be shared about such operations in the future.

The full text of the press release is available on the SAR Malta Twitter profile.

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