Irish Navy’s vessel LÉ EITHNE successfully located and rescued a total of 647 migrants off two separate vessels, 50 Nautical Miles north-west of Tripoli, the Libyan capital yesterday.
593 migrants, rescued on 28 June, were transferred to HMS Bulwark yesterday morning and the crew prepared the ship for further search and rescue operations.
At 8 am Irish time operations recommenced, with LÉ EITHNE rescuing 330 migrants on a wooden barge, 50 Nautical Miles north-west of Tripoli. Immediately following the first rescue the LÉ EITHNE was re-tasked to assist with the rescue of a further 317 migrants on a wooden barge in the vicinity.
There are now approximately 647 rescuees on board the vessel.
Image: Irish Defence Forces