LÉ EITHNE Saves 500 Migrants Over the Weekend

The Irish Navy’s vessel LÉ EITHNE rescued some 500 migrants in three separate operations over the weekend.

Starting on Friday, June 5, the vessel located and rescued a small craft with 113 persons on board 40 km north of Tripoli, Libya.

Acting on information received from the Italian Marine Rescue Coordination Centre, a rubber inflatable craft was located within the area being patrolled by the LÉ EITHNE. Rescue operations and transfer of migrants began at 5 pm and were completed by 8pm. A total of 113 men, women and children (including infants) were rescued by the LÉ EITHNE and transferred to an Italian ship the FENICE for onward passage to a port of safety.

The next morning LÉ EITHNE located and rescued a barge with approximately 310 persons on board, some 48 km north of the city of Zuwarah, Libya after they had initiated a distress call. Weather conditions at the time were difficult, with dense fog hampering the operation.

Later that day, Saturday, June 6, the Naval vessel saved migrants on 2 inflatable craft with 89 persons on board, 75 km north of Libya.

The vessel had 399 rescuees on board; 280 males, 78 females and 41 children, which were transferred to Taranto Port, Italy, last night.

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Image: Irish Defence Forces