Irish Navy’s warship LÉ NIAMH rescued 551 people from a wooden barge 55 kilometres North of Zuwarah on August 26.
The vessel was sent to investigate a sighting of a possible migrant vessel. After it arrived on scene at 10 am approx, the crew deployed two rhibs to the vessel. While assessing the situation another vessel, described as a fishing boat, was observed approaching LÉ NIAMH with approx 700 people onboard. IMRCC deployed a further four vessels to assist in the operation.
LÉ NIAMH now has 551 rescued migrants on board who are receiving water, food and medical assistance where required. The MSF vessel THE BOURBON ARGOS embarked approx 700 migrants from the fishing boat.
After the operation the Irish Navy’s warship set sail to TRAPANI and was expected to arrive on August 27.
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Image: Irish Defence Force