The Irish Navy vessel LÉ Samuel Beckett has saved another 118 people in the Mediterranean Sea.
The rescue came on foot of a request from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre earlier today.
The migrants were all on a sinking rubber dingy off the coast of Tripoli.
However, five people died before they could be saved. Their bodies are now on board the ship, the Defence Forces said.
The others were safely transferred to the boat by 8.30am – an hour-and-a-half after the operation began.
They are now receiving food, water and medical treatment, where required.
Image: Defence Forces
The LÉ Samuel Beckett remains in the area awaiting further direction from Italian authorities.
Today’s operation brings to 1,027 the number of people it has rescued to date.