35 migrants had to spend the night at sea, after Maltese authorities refused to save them and instead turned to Libya to intervene, humanitarian non-governmental organization Alarm Phone reported on Friday.
Alarm Phone, which is a hotline to help migrants in need of rescue at sea, alerted Maltese authorities, and explained that water was getting into the boat. It also noted that there was a merchant vessel in the vicinity.
Nine hours after its first alert on went unheard, the NGO said the group was still at sea and were combatting strong Northern winds.
According to Alarm Phone, the Maltese authorities have now turned to the Libyan Coast Guard to intervene and save the migrants, which the NGO described as a “crime” giving that migrants intercepted by Libya are often detained in militia-run facilities where they endure abuse.
🚩Still out at sea!
The ~35 people survived the night. They are adrift, struggling with strong wind from North. Nobody came to rescue, #Malta announced to send the so-called Libyan Coastguard.
Stop that crime! pic.twitter.com/oWEiKUpwi6— Alarm Phone (@alarm_phone) August 7, 2022