60 Migrants Rescued After Boat Capsizes Near Malta

On December 12, 2024, 60 African migrants were rescued by the Maltese armed forces after their boat capsized near the Mediterranean island of Malta.

This is one of the largest groups to arrive in Malta in recent years.

The migrants were brought to Bugibba, a town about 10 miles north of Valletta, where they were seen huddled in blankets, with some needing medical attention.

One migrant was in particularly poor condition.

Malta has seen a significant decrease in migrant arrivals compared to previous years, with only 200 arriving in 2024 compared to over 2,000 in 2020.

Most migrants now arrive in Malta by flights from Italy and overstay their visas.

Malta has been working with Libya to prevent migrant departures and has provided training for Libya's coast guard.

The Maltese Home Affairs Minister emphasized that saving lives is a priority and that Europe should decide who can enter.