Valletta  - A group of 105 would-be illegal immigrants were rescued by a Maltese patrol boat Tuesday, officials said.

The immigrants had requested help after their large rubber dinghy developed engine trouble during their journey north towards Italy.

An Armed Forces of Malta vessel, taking part in the EU's border agency Frontex patrols, was diverted to the area at once.

The migrants - 85 men and 20 women - were transferred to the patrol boat, which was due back in Malta later in the evening.  dpa