Naval service saves over 100 Med migrants

MORE than 100 migrants were saved by the Irish Naval Service operating in the Mediterranean on Thursday.

Vice Admiral Mark Mellett revealed the rescue after he saw off the latest crew to deploy to the area as part of Ireland’s commitment to humanitarian duties there.

‘On Thursday night the Samuel Beckett rescued over 100 men women and children,’ said Mr Mellett, who is also the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.

‘Obviously the criminal network is really exploiting people throughout Africa, and the primary focus of Operation Sophia is to disrupt those criminals who are involved in murder, in rape and in illegal detention camps,’ Mr Mellett added.

He revealed that over 700 men and women from the Irish Navy, Army and Air Corps are currently involved in 13 overseas missions.

The Vice Admiral bad farewell to the crew of LÉ James Joyce prior to their departure to the Mediterranean at 11am yesterday.

LÉ James Joyce is the third Naval Service vessel to deploy under Operation Sophia, LÉ Niamh deployed in late 2017 and LÉ Samuel Beckett is currently on a mission having deployed in March.