Irish Navy’s vessel LÉ Eithne deployed to the Mediterranean Sea on migrant humanitarian and search and rescue operations.
Minister of Defence Mr Simon Coveney T.D accompanied by Rear Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) of the Defence Forces and Captain David Barry, Officer Commanding Naval Operations Command, met the vessel’s crew at Haulbowline Naval Base, Ringaskiddy, on Saturday, 16 May, prior to their deployment.
Commanded by Commander Pearse O’Donnell, the 68 sailors of the LÉ Eithne, augmented by 2 medics from the Army Medical Corps, have been preparing the ship for an extended deployment since receiving notice to sail two weeks ago.
The LÉ Eithne will provide a search and rescue capability and will undertake humanitarian operations in cooperation with the Italian Authorities. Assistance to persons in distress at sea will be provided in accordance with the provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations.
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Image: Defence Forces Ireland