The LE Eithne has rescued 12 migrants in distress around 30 miles north of Lampedusa in Italy.

They were rescued at around 9am in a small craft that had departed Tripoli five days ago.

There was no food, water of fuel on board the boat.

The passengers - who were all men - were all dehydrated but alive and are now being cared for by the Navy and army medical staff.

Since its departure a week ago, the vessel has already saved hundreds of migrants on the Mediterranean.