An estimated 320 African immigrants fleeing the conflict in Libya were expected to arrive in Malta late Thursday after they were rescued 32 kilometres off the Mediterranean island, officials said.
An Italian vessel found their wooden boat drifting earlier Thursday, after its engine failed, DPA reported.
There were 12 children and 16 babies in the group. The migrants are believed to be mainly Libyans, Egyptians and Bangladeshis, rescue officials said.
Unlike earlier landings in Malta, the migrants rescued Thursday are not mainly sub-Saharan Africans but workers stranded in Libya escaping the uprising against Moamer Gaddafi's regime.
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