Irish Navy helps rescue over 200 migrants

Those rescued are receiving food, water and medical treatment as required.

Today's rescue operation Irish Defence Forces / Flickr Irish Defence Forces / Flickr / Flickr

THE LÉ WILLIAM Butler Yeats successfully located and rescued 117 migrants from a rubber craft 42 nautical miles (about 78km) northeast of Tripoli earlier today.

The ship became involved in the operation following a request from the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

It also coordinated the rescue of a further 117 people by the MV Alexander Maersk.

36136160673_3b77e2abc4_o Some of the children who were rescued today Irish Defence Forces / Flickr Irish Defence Forces / Flickr / Flickr

All 234 people are now on board the LÉ William Butler Yeats receiving food, water and medical treatment as required.

Note: The figures from today’s rescue have yet to be confirmed by Italian authorities.

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