Migrants escape from Malta reception center

VALLETTA, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen migrants detained in Malta have escaped from the Initial Reception Center in the Maltese town of Marsa during the night between Monday and Tuesday, the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers said on Tuesday evening.

Another two migrants escaped from the Office of the Refugee Commissioner when they were taken there to apply for humanitarian protection, the agency said.

Five of the escapees have since returned.

The migrants were being held in Marsa to be processed and for medical clearance.

The police are seeking the remaining escapees still on the run.

It said that the migrants are part of the 87 migrants rescued by the Armed Forces of Malta off Lampedusa last Wednesday.