Navy ready for Mediterranean mission to help rescue migrants

The LÉ Eithne is expected to be given the order to deploy in the Mediterranean after next Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, at which Minister for Defence Simon Coveney will almost certainly get approval from colleagues to send it on a humanitarian mission to save drowning refugees.

Mr Coveney said he had been advised by the navy’s most senior officer, Commodore High Tully, that the LÉ Eithne and its crew will be ready for the mission within the next 48 hours.

The vessel will make history as it will be the first time the navy has ever been involved in a humanitarian/peacekeeping role.