International Organization Accuses Malta of Failing to Rescue Migrants at Sea

The German non-governmental organization "Sea-Watch International" announced on Monday that a commercial ship supplied fuel and water to a boat that had lost its way between Greece and Malta, carrying approximately 400 migrants. However, the authorities in Malta ordered the ship not to conduct a rescue operation. The "Alarm Phone" support service, active in rescue operations for migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, reported early Sunday that the boat, which had departed from Tobruk in Libya amidst a sharp rise in the number of migrant boats crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa, had lost its way and was taking on water. Alarm Phone noted that the boat was in Malta's search and rescue area. The organization, which located the boat with one of its aircraft, accused Malta of unwillingness to rescue the migrants on board despite them being at significant risk as they battled 1.5-meter-high waves. It stated on its Twitter account: "If the boat continues to move, it may reach Italy, and Malta will not have to accept them." The Maltese authorities did not respond to several requests for comment.