Search Mission by the AFM help to recover missing persons

Yesterday at about 2020 hours the A.F.M. rescue co-ordination centre received a message that a Maltese family of five had hired-out a boat from Marsalforn Bay, Gozo and had not returned by late at night. An immediate search mission was initiated using A.F.M. patrol boats and an Italian Military Mission S.A.R. Helicopter. The search was carried out till late night but was suspended at around 0200 hours due to very low visibility.

The search mission was resumed at first light this morning, utilizing one patrol boat, an Alouette III Helicopter and a Pilatus Islander Aircraft from the A.F.M. along with an AB 212 Italian Military Mission Helicopter.

The missing persons were sighted and recovered by a civilian speedboat and returned to Marsalforn Harbour. Both the A.F.M. patrol boat and helicopter maintained control in the area till the missing boat's safe return.