LÉ Eithne transports 712 migrants to safety in Mediterranean

Total of 606 migrants taken from ‘platforms in distress’ to be handed to Italian authorities

LÉ Eithne crewmembers help to rescue 183 migrants 40km northwest of Tripoli, Libya,  during two separate operations  on Sunday. Photograph: Defence Forces
LÉ Eithne crewmembers help to rescue 183 migrants 40km northwest of Tripoli, Libya, during two separate operations on Sunday. Photograph: Defence Forces

The Irish naval ship LÉ Eithne was involved in transporting 712 migrants to safety on Sunday as its responded to a series of situations in the Mediterranean.

While on patrol approximately 40km off the northwest coast of Tripoli, it rescued 183 migrants from two vessels.

It was then asked to assist an NGO vessel which was in the process of a rescue operation.

LÉ Eithne  rescues a total of 135 migrants from an inflatable craft about 83km northwest  of Tripoli on Sunday. Photograph: Defence Forces
LÉ Eithne rescues a total of 135 migrants from an inflatable craft about 83km northwest of Tripoli on Sunday. Photograph: Defence Forces

During the day a total of 606 migrants were taken from “platforms in distress” while a further 106 were transferred from the NGO vessel Von Hestia.

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All 712 migrants were given food, water, and medical treatment where required, according to a statement from the Defence Forces press office.

The Italian Maritime Rescue Co-ordinating Centre has asked that the migrants be transported to a designated port of safety, where they will be handed over to the Italian authorities, according to the statement.