The migrants are being transferred to Maltese vessels and brought to port.

However, Malta said the German-flagged aid ship which rescued the migrants, the Alan Kurdi, will not be allowed to enter its ports.

Both Malta and Libya have refused to allow humanitarian rescue ships to enter their ports, saying their activities off Libya encourage human traffickers.

The German NGO Sea-Eye has complained about worsening conditions for the 64 migrants. Two have been evacuated in recent days due to health issues.