Rome, Oct. 17 (LaPresse) – Since last night, a search and rescue operation coordinated by the Malta Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) has been underway following the sighting of an overturned boat about 50 miles southeast of Lampedusa, in the Maltese SAR responsibility area. The operation began after the Italian Coast Guard’s MANTA '10-03' aircraft, already engaged in flight activities, spotted the overturned boat and immediately deployed a liferaft. The rescue operations, coordinated by Maltese authorities, involve Italian Coast Guard patrol boats, a Maltese aircraft, support from a merchant ship diverted to the location, and the presence of a Frontex aerial asset. The Italian Coast Guard is specifically assisting with patrol boats from Lampedusa. According to initial information from the survivors, there were about thirty people on board the overturned boat. The diverted merchant ship initially rescued 4 people, who were later transferred to patrol boat CP 322. The same Italian Coast Guard vessel then rescued additional survivors, bringing the total number saved to 11, along with the recovery of one body. Additional Coast Guard vessels have joined the search, while a Maltese patrol boat and another Italian Coast Guard patrol boat are en route, along with aerial units from the Coast Guard and Finance Police. The search and rescue operations continue under the coordination of the Malta Rescue Coordination Centre.
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