Valletta, Malta  - Several bodies spotted floating in the sea off Malta, prompted fears Wednesday that the find signals another shipwreck involving would-be immigrants trying to reach Europe.

The exact number or nationality of the dead remains unclear as the bodies still have to be recovered from the sea, officials on the Mediterranean island said.

The captain of a French navy vessel first alerted Malta's rescue centre on Tuesday of the presence of six bodies off the island.

Later the crew of a helicopter, taking part in the European Union's Frontex border control operations, reported three bodies, while a Maltese rescue helicopter also reported three bodies, a Maltese military spokesman said.

Hundreds of Africans are believed to have drowned in the Mediterranean during the past few months as they have attempted to reach mainland Europe. (dpa)