Updated 2.55pm
A controversial anti-migrant ship, currently outside Maltese territorial waters, will be refused entry into the island if permission is requested.
"So far no request has been made, but all we can say is they are not welcome," a government source told Times of Malta.
The ship, C-Star, belonging to the Defend Europe movement, has been plagued by controversy for weeks, as it tries to block the rescue of refugees from the Mediterranean Sea, which it described as part of an “invasion” endangering the continent.
And local NGOs have already sounded a warning to the boat to stay away from Malta.
"The mission of C-Star is to prevent refugees and other forced migrants from accessing safety and security. We are calling on the Maltese authorities not to allow the vessel to dock in Malta, and not to cooperate with an organisation that has demonstrated itself to be racist, and with a mission that clearly aims to violate basic human rights," said Maria Pisani from NGO Integra Foundation.
Times of Malta is informed the ship captain enquired with the Maltese authorities about procedures should they need services. It is currently travelling at four knots.
"Just yesterday the...
