Irish Navy’s LÉ NIAMH successfully conducted a Search and Rescue Operation 90 kilometres north-east of Tripoli, Libya yesterday, rescuing 256 migrants (235 male, 13 female, 8 minors) from a wooden barge.
The LÉ NIAMH is on stand-by for further operations and is awaiting direction from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre for its next tasking.
On 19 July 98 migrants were rescued from a rubber craft 76 KM north-west of Tripoli. The LÉ NIAMH was then involved in a joint operation with the Italian Navy to transfer 200 migrants from a wooden barge to the Italian Naval Vessel SIRIO.
The LÉ NIAMH departed Ireland on Friday 10th of July. The vessel has a crew of fifty-seven personnel, including two Army medics and is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Danial Wall.
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Image: Irish Defence Forces