Migrant rescue vessel Lifeline docks in Malta

VALLETTA - The migrant rescue vessel MV Lifeline arrived in Malta on Wednesday, resolving a week-long international standoff over the vessel's fate.

Shortly after 7 pm, the Lifeline docked in Valletta and disembarked 234 migrants who were rescued from within the Libyan search and rescue area of the Mediterranean one week ago. The passengers include 17 women and five children.

Malta agreed to take the vessel after an agreement was reached between Italy, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Malta for the migrants to be shared among the countries.

Speaking at a press conference earlier in the day, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that an investigation would be launched into the crew's actions and that the vessel would be impounded pending the investigation.

Several police vans and ambulances are on site. Tents have also been erected for initial screening of those arriving.