Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

lé william butler yeats

The Irish navy rescued 149 migrants on a rubber dinghy in the Mediterranean this morning

The people now aboard the ship are receiving food, water and medical treatment.

DCIM100MEDIADJI_0079.JPG Irish Defence Forces / Flickr Irish Defence Forces / Flickr / Flickr

AN IRISH NAVAL vessel rescued 149 migrants from a rubber craft in the Mediterranean Sea this morning.

The LÉ William Butler Yeats began its mission at 8.45am after a request from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, and managed to transport all of the migrants onboard the vessel by 11.15am.

The craft was located 47 miles north-east of Tripoli, the capital city of Libya.

The people now aboard the Irish ship are receiving food, water and medical treatment as required.

DCIM100MEDIADJI_0031.JPG Irish Defence Forces / Flickr Irish Defence Forces / Flickr / Flickr

The Irish ship was commissioned in October 2016 and, before today, had already rescued 109 refugees since it was deployed to the Mediterranean on 14 July.

The role of the LÉ William Butler Yeats is to provide a search and rescue capability in the area.

The ship is currently still in the area of operations and is awaiting further tasks, a statement from the Defence Forces said.

Read: Irish Navy member commanding officer brought to court over duty-free cigarettes

Read: Thomond Bridge in Limerick re-opened after WW1 grenade found

Your Voice
Readers Comments
165
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.