Malta has taken in 35 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean Sea by a humanitarian ship a day earlier.

The Ocean Viking assisted Maltese authorities and pulled the migrants from an overcrowded wooden boat on Thursday in international waters.

The Ocean Viking initially counted 36 people but corrected the number to 35 after the Friday transfer.

The Ocean Viking had assisted Maltese authorities and pulled the migrants from an overcrowded wooden boat on Thursday in international waters. Pictured: Rescued migrants as they arrive on an Armed Forces of Malta patrol boat in Valletta's Marsamxett Harbour on Saturday

The Ocean Viking initially counted 36 people (pictured on a Maltese patrol boat) but corrected the number to 35 after the Friday transfer

Rescued migrants smile as they react after arriving on an Armed Forces of Malta patrol boat in Valletta's Marsamxett Harbour after being picked up in international waters yesterday

Yet 182 migrants still remain on the ship, which is operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders. Pictured: The migrants behind life vests on Saturday

But 182 migrants still remain on the ship, which is operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders.

Malta has refused to take the remaining people, arguing they were found in international waters where Libya has search and rescue duties.

The Ocean Viking declined an offer from Libyan authorities to go to the port of Al-Khums.

Authorities rescued the migrants from an overcrowded wooden boat on Thursday in international waters

A rescued migrant boards a police bus as it waits to leave from the Armed Forces of Malta Maritime Squadron base in Valletta's Marsamxett Harbour on Saturday

Malta has refused to take the remaining people, arguing they were found in international waters where Libya has search and rescue duties

Rescued migrants embrace as they arrive on an Armed Forces of Malta patrol boat in Valletta's Marsamxett Harbour

It came as authorities on the Greek island of Lesbos say they cannot house more newly arrived migrants at a perpetually overcrowded refugee camp that now is 400 per cent overcapacity.

Two officials told reporters the Moria camp has a population of 12,000 and no way to accommodate additional occupants.

The officials say newcomers are sleeping in the open or in tents outside the camp, which was built to hold 3,000 refugees.

The Ocean Viking declined an offer from Libyan authorities to go to the port of Al-Khums. Pictured: The migrants on the Maltese military ship on Saturday

Rescued migrants cross a bridge on to the Armed Forces of Malta patrol boat in Valletta's Marsamxett Harbour on Saturday

Two of the migrants walk across the bridge as the sun starts to rise on Saturday

Some were taken to a small transit camp run by the United Nations' refugee agency on the north coast of Lesbos.

The island authorities said at least 410 migrants coming in boats from Turkey reached Lesbos on Friday.

The officials asked not to be identified pending official announcements about the camp.