A second Irish vessel has left Ireland to join search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean.

The LÉ Niamh is to assist Italian authorities in the humanitarian operation to rescue migrants fleeing North Africa.

The Niamh replaces the LÉ Eithne, which was deployed to the area two months ago.

That ship has spent the past eight weeks there, and is now on its way back to Ireland.

A total of 3,377 people have been rescued by LÉ Eithne from the waters between Libya and Sicily.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney said: "I had the opportunity of visiting LÉ Eithne last Tuesday. I conveyed to the personnel our deep appreciation for the outstanding manner in which they performed their duties on overseas service on behalf of the government and the people of Ireland."

The LÉ Niamh has a crew of 55 Naval Service personnel, and two medics from the Army Medical Corps.

The ship is expected to be deployed in the Mediterranean until September, dependent on operational demands.