Under the pretext of COVID-19, Maltese authorities have been holding for weeks about 160 people on two private vessels used for coastal tourism off Malta’s territorial waters. They were transferred to the ferry boats after their rescue in separate operations in the central Mediterranean, on 29 April and 7 May. The situation on board is becoming unbearable as the boats are not suited for long stays. Maltese authorities should end their arbitrary detention and immediately disembark them in Malta, ensuring they can apply for asylum and access adequate reception.