LE Eithne crew save over 700 migrants
THESE dramatic pictures show the moments brave LE Eithne crew members helped rescue more than 700 migrants.
The Irish naval ship sprang into action on Friday afternoon after receiving a call to join a rescue operation.
It joined three other ships in the operation, which took place around 83km from war-torn Tripoli.
The migrants received food, water and medical treatment where required.
The LE Eithne has brought those on board to the designated ‘Port of Safety’ of Catania, Sicily, where they will be transferred to the Italian authorities.
A baby girl was born on board the Irish ship during the operation. Both mother and baby are healthy and well.
The LE Eithne was sent to the Mediterranean on May 23 as part of the Government’s response to the migrant crisis. The Irish Naval vessel provides a search and rescue capability and undertakes humanitarian rescue operations at sea.
It was first sent to the area as part of Operation PONTUS two years earlier in May 2015. Since then the Irish navy has rescued 15,621 migrants from the sea.