Updated 7.30pm

Five people died and eight were injured on Friday when a boat capsized during a rescue operation three and a half miles off Malta.

An estimated 34 people from Syria, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Egypt were in the boat at the time, according to the Armed Forces of Malta.

The boat left the Libyan capital Tripoli three or four days ago, the UNHCR said.

An Armed Forces of Malta patrol boat was dispatched to rescue those aboard, but the vessel capsized during that rescue operation. Five - including a woman - died, while eight have been taken to hospital where their condition is unknown.

Another 21 were taken to the Safi detention centre for processing, the AFM said.

AFM deputy commander Edric Zahra told a news conference that the army was notified of a boat with several migrants aboard, close to fish farms off Żonqor, at around 10.45am.

The AFM deployed an aeroplane to confirm the location and then dispatched a vessel to the site.

During the rescue, the migrants moved to one side of the boat, causing it to capsize, Zahra said. The boat measured 25 feet in length and was powered by two motors.

AFM photo of the boat while out at sea: Jonathan Borg

In a statement the aditus foundation and Jesuit Refugee Service, who both provide services to asyum seekers, said they were "extremely saddened" by news of "yet another tragedy at sea".

"We are further upset by Malta's treatment of the survivors" who were taken to the detention centre and urged authorities to offer them "all the psychological support they require, particularly to the most vulnerable."

They said this support requires a "safe and caring space" and cannot be provided in detention.

"We underline that anyone going through such a horrific experience requires immediate psychological support. The survivors came within inches of death whilst at the same time witnessing their friends and possibly loved ones drowning around them."

Urging the authorities "to do what is right", both organisations offered their own services.

In a statement on Friday evening, the government expressed deep regret over the death of the five people.

It meanwhile commended the AFM's efforts and assistance of medics.

It added that Friday's tragedy was, unfortunately, the result of human trafficking models that the Maltese government would continue trying to dismantle.

Photo of the operation conducted on Friday. Photo: AFM

Around 380 migrants arrived on Malta by boat last year, according to the UN's refugee agency.

Most people who attempt the Central Mediterranean crossing from North Africa to Europe land on Italy, which last year recorded just under 160,000 arrivals.

The Central Mediterranean is the world's deadliest migration route, with 2,498 deaths recorded last year, a 75 per cent increase on the previous year according to the International Organization for Migration.

The Civil Protection Department helped AFM personnel bring casualties to shore at Hay Wharf.

A magisterial inquiry, led by Victor Axiak, has been ordered and police investigations are ongoing.

In 2014, 29 migrants who died in a stampede were rescued by AFM, in an operation that was reported to last several hours.

The boat was carrying over 400 migrants. Those who were saved were taken to Italy by a merchant vessel, which assisted in the operation, coordinated by the AFM.

The incident happened inside Malta’s search and rescue area and 68 miles off Lampedusa. 

A year later, Malta buried the bodies of 24 migrants who were among 850 feared dead. 

More recently, Malta was found primarily responsible for the rescuing of 200 people, including 60 children, who drowned in 2013. The October 11 incident, remembered by many as the Lampedusa tragedy, had seen the AFM scrambling to rescue 143 migrants, while another 56 were taken to the Italian island.