Irish Navy’s vessel LÉ EITHNE successfully located and rescued a total of 519 migrants off three separate vessels, 50 Nautical Miles north-west of Tripoli, the Libyan capital today.
The LÉ EITHNE successfully located and rescued 104 migrants on an inflatable craft, 50 Nautical Miles north-west of Tripoli, in the early hours of this morning. Conditions at the time were good with the operation commencing at 5.16 am. All migrants were on board by 6.31 am.
Immediately following the first rescue the LÉ EITHNE was re-tasked to assist with the rescue of a further 362 migrants on a barge, 50 Nautical Miles north-west of Tripoli. This operation concluded by 10.16 am and the vessel received another task to rescue further 53 migrants on a small fibreglass boat. This third rescue operation was concluded by 12.40 pm.
There are now approximately 519 rescuees on board; 401 males, 98 females and 20 minors. The LÉ EITHNE is awaiting direction from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre for next tasking.
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Image: Irish Defence Forces