Five migrants die as boat capsizes during rescue off Malta

Police forensic officers gather around the body of a drowned migrant after a boat carrying 30 migrants capsized during a rescue operation off Malta, at the Armed Forces of Malta maritime squadron base at Haywharf in Valletta's Marsamxett Harbour, Malta February 23, 2024. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi

VALLETTA (Reuters) - Five migrants, including a woman, died when their boat capsized as they were being rescued off Malta on Friday, the island’s armed forces said.

Another eight were injured and taken to hospital, including two who swallowed a considerable amount of seawater and fuel.