Irish naval crew rescue 225 migrants off Libyan coast

An Irish naval crew has rescued another 225 people trying to cross the Mediterranean.

Twelve children were among the latest migrants who were found in distress on two inflatable boats off Libya.

The LÉ Niamh naval ship was sent to the scene, 69 miles north east of Tripoli, on Saturday night as part of an ongoing humanitarian mission.

In an operation lasting more than nine hours, 107 men, women, and children were rescued from one vessel, and 118 from another.

They are all receiving water, food, and where necessary, medical assistance onboard the LÉ Niamh, an Irish Navy spokesman said.

“The LÉ Niamh is awaiting direction from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre for its next tasking,” he added.

The latest rescue comes just weeks after the LÉ Niamh rescued 367 people from the Mediterranean after an overcrowded fishing vessel capsized.

Although the LÉ Niamh rescued hundreds of people, many more are believed to have drowned — trapped below the deck of the vessel and unable to escape. A total of 26 bodies were recovered.