The alarm comes via the German NGO Sea Watch, whose reconnaissance planes filmed the probably sinking boat, which is estimated to have 400 people on board.
"The boat seems to be leaking and taking in water, they have run out of fuel and drinking water on board. There are many pregnant women on board as well as 10 infants," the call from the aircraft reads.
According to Sea Watch, two freighters in the vicinity have been ordered by the Maltese authorities not to rescue those in distress but only to supply the wrecker with motor fuel.
Probably migrants on board
The ship reportedly left the port of Tobruk, Libya sometime over the weekend. The people on board are most likely migrants trying to get to Europe.
Earlier on Monday, it was announced that at least four people have drowned and 20 are missing after another migrant ship sank on its journey between Tunisia and Italy. 22 survivors were taken to the Italian island of Lampedusa.