Navy personnel to be awarded medals

Irish naval personnel who have helped save the lives of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea are to be given a medal.

Defence Minister Paul Kehoe made the announcement during a visit to Cagliari in Sardinia where he met crew from the LE James Joyce who have been assisting the italian authorities with the ongoing crisis. Irish naval vessels have rescued some 11,500 migrants so far as part of Operation Pontus.

He said those who had taken part in the humanitarian mission should be recognised for their “outstanding role”.