The Irish navy has helped rescue another 300 migrants in the Mediterranean, in the latest operation involving flagship LÉ Eithne.
The group, which includes children, were on board a barge attempting to make the crossing from Libya early this morning.
The crew of the Irish navy vessel encountered a barge 45km north of Libya at around 12.10am (Irish time) this morning. By 4am all 300 migrants had been successfully taken on board the LÉ Eithne where they were given water, food and medical attention.
The rescued migrants included 217 males, 35 females and 48 minors. Sea conditions are said to have been calm during the operation.
It is the second day in a row that the crew of the LÉ Eithne have been involved in a major rescue operation. Yesterday they came to the aid of dozens of migrants in the same stretch of water.
The LÉ Eithne departed Irish shores earlier this month with 68 Irish sailors and two army medics on board - the first time an Irish vessel has been deployed in an operation of this kind.
Almost 2,000 people have drowned in the waters of the Mediterranean between Africa and Europe so far this year, as they attempted to flee war-torn countries.
The advent of summer has brought calmer water conditions and with them an increase in the numbers willing to attempt the perilous journey.
Jane Anne McKenna is the Director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders. She explains what is causing the crisis in the area:
Originally posted at 10.46am
