The Egyptian navy has succeeded in rescuing a boat flying a Turkish flag which sent a distress signal at noon on Thursday off the country’s Mediterranean coast.

According to a statement issued by the Egyptian Armed Forces on Friday, the boat experienced a technical malfunction when it was located approximately 270 kilometres off the coast of the Egyptian city of Sidi Baran.

The statement said that all 57 passengers on board were transferred to an Egyptian frigate and arrived at 3 July Naval Base in Jarjoub on Friday morning, where they received medical treatment and other aid.

According to the statement, the passengers included 48 men, six women and three children. The nationality breakdown was 31 Iraqis, 23 Iranians, two Turks, and one Egyptian.

All legal measures will be taken by the Egyptian authorities, the statement said.