A detachment of the AFM's Maritime Squadron rescued five migrants off the Greek island of Lesvos this morning, the army said.

The detachment was on patrol on a Fast Interceptor Craft when it was alerted about a migrant craft in distress. The crew then sighted a number of persons in the water clinging to the remains of a deflated dinghy.

Five persons were recovered and provided with initial medical assistance as the boat returned to the port Molivos where the rescued individuals were handed over to the care of the Greek authorities.

Maritime Squadron personnel have been patrolling the waters around Lesvos since the beginning of August as part of Frontex Joint Operation Poseidon Sea.

They have responded to numerous incidents, many of which involved persons being rescued after finding themselves in difficulty while attempting to cross the maritime border between Turkey and Greece.

The Maltese detachment consists of one officer and seven men who are replaved on a monthly basis.