LÉ NIAMH, Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Irish Navy, successfully conducted a Search and Rescue Operation 80 kilometres north-west of Tripoli, Libya on July 27th, rescuing 243 migrants from a wooden barge. There was a slight swell and south easterly breeze at the time, the operation commenced at 8.31 am and was completed at 11.38 a.m.
The LÉ NIAMH is currently on stand-by for further operations and is awaiting direction from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre for it’s next tasking.
Figures for the operation are provisional until administratively confirmed by Italian authorities. Subject to verification the LÉ NIAMH has rescued 1070 migrants.
Prior to the operation LÉ NIAMH has rescued a total of 827 (672 men, 123 women and 32 children).
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.