Valletta, Malta - Another corpse - the third over the last 24 hours - was found Wednesday in the sea off Malta, amid concern over a possible shipwreck involving would-be immigrants.

The body was located by an Italian coastguard patrol-boat, 50 nautical miles southwest of Malta and was being transported to the Mediterranean island, Maltese military officials said.

The identity or nationality of the dead person could not be immediately determined.

Two corpses were located Tuesday in the sea off Malta - a find which together with the recovery of several life-jackets, could indicate a shipwreck involving would-be immigrants, authorities said.

Earlier this month, the recovery of another three corpses - believed to belong to people of African origin - also raised concern of a possible sea-accident involving would-be immigrants.

Recent fine weather in the Mediterranean has prompted hundreds of Africans, many fleeing poverty and other hardships at home, to attempt sea-crossings to reach the shores of Europe.

Similar journeys are undertaken every year, often in ramshackle vessels which can capsize with fatal results.

Malta, which has been grappling with the problem of illegal immigration for more than a decade, has renewed appeals to other European Union member states for assistance. (dpa)