LÉ Eithne crew set for return after Med mission

The tired crew of LÉ Eithne could leave for home as early as this weekend after rescuing 3,376 migrants from the Mediterranean Sea.

A senior officer from the LÉ Niamh, which will replace her on the EU-led humanitarian mission, flew out to Malta last night to be briefed on operations by LÉ Eithne’s captain Commander Pearse O’Donnell.

He and his 68-strong crew still remain on standby in case of emergencies, but are currently anchored in Valletta harbour where the ship is taking on supplies.