Camilleri said the case unfolded at 1:10pm on 3 March 2026 when Malta’s Rescue Coordination Centre was alerted to a vessel in distress outside Malta’s Search and Rescue (SAR) zone. Camilleri said the Armed Forces of Malta’s Rescue Coordination Centre was informed of the situation following communication from the Moscow Coordination Centre and the vessel’s company. In coordination with the competent Libyan authorities, the Armed Forces of Malta deployed a King Air aircraft, which located the vessel at 3:58pm. Acting on behalf of the Libyan coordination centre, Malta requested the nearest vessel, MT Respect, which was 33 nautical miles away, to assist those aboard the lifeboat. Malta’s Rescue Coordination Centre was subsequently informed by MT Respect that all crew members had been found safe and accounted for.

Source: Libya Today March 04, 2026 16:37 UTC