Valletta, Malta - A corpse was recovered from the sea south of Malta on Tuesday around the same time as a group of around 20 would-be illegal immigrants were rescued by the Italian coast guard.

It was not yet known whether the corpse belongs to the same group of rescued immigrants.

Meanwhile a mother and two children were being airlifted to Malta's hospital after their ordeal in the rough seas.

The Italian vessel was expected to berth in Malta later Tuesday.

The tiny Mediterranean island is grappling once again with the problem of people fleeing Africa. A group of 56 would-be illegal immigrants were rescued on Saturday. Half of them were found hanging onto a tuna cage after their boat had capsized in rough seas. (dpa)