THIS EVENING THE Irish naval vessel LÉ Niamh will be setting out on course for the Mediterranean.

The ship will continue the Irish presence in the region and replace the LÉ Eithne, which has been serving in the area for the past two months.

In this time it has rescued a total of 3,377 individuals from the waters between Sicily and Libya.

It has started its voyage back to Ireland and is due to arrive home some time next week.

Speaking ahead of the launch of LÉ Niamh’s journey this evening, defence minister Simon Coveney, said, “I had the opportunity of visiting LÉ Eithne last Tuesday. I conveyed to the personnel our deep appreciation of the outstanding manner in which they performed their duties on overseas service on behalf of the government and the people of Ireland.”

I am pleased to be here today to convey my appreciation to you, in advance of your deployment.

LÉ Niamh a crew of 55 Naval Service personnel and two medics from the Army Medical Corps and will be captained by Lieutenant Commander Daniel Wall.

The ship is expected to remain in the region until September, depending on the operational demands and requirements arising.

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