AFM rescues five migrants off Greek islands

The Armed Forces of Malta’s Maritime Squadron Detachment today rescued five migrants off the Greek island of Lesvos.

The AFM is currently operating out of the Greek island of Lesvos and while on routine patrol at 8:50am, the crew of the Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) P02 was informed by the Hellenic Coastguard liaison officer on board that his Headquarters had reported a migrant craft in distress.

The crew of P02 immediately set course for the location and quickly sighted a number of persons in the water clinging to the wreckage of a deflated dinghy.

The five persons were immediately recovered and provided with initial medical assistance before P02 returned to the port of Molivos where the rescued individuals were handed over to the care of the Greek Authorities.

Maritime Squadron personnel have been patrolling the waters around Lesvos since the beginning of August as part of the FRONTEX Joint Operation Poseidon Sea. They have responded to numerous incidents during this period, many of which have resulted in persons being rescued after finding themselves in difficulty while attempting to cross the maritime border between Turkey and Greece in an irregular manner.

The Maltese Detachment consists of one officer and seven enlisted men who are rotated on a monthly basis. The Boomeranger FIC P02 is supported in addition by the deployment of two AFM vehicles.