'They are in dire need of a different life,' says Irish Commander on people rescued from Mediterranean

More than 360 migrants are recovering in Italy after being rescued by the Irish Navy off the coast of Libya.

The boat they were in, which was believed to be carrying around 600 people capsized and sank yesterday.

There is little hope of finding anyone else alive.

Commander Ken Minehane was aboard the L.E. Niamh which brought them ashore, and says they are desperate.

"They are in dire need of a different life," said Commander Minehane.

"Some of them come on board with very little clothing, no shoes, no money. They are very grateful for the food and the water we give them," he said.

"So it just shows that they're not being treated very well from where they're coming."

This is the ship which sank off the coast of Libya yesterday (Pic via @defenceforces) pic.twitter.com/kBgob3rsHy

— Ireland Live News (@IrelandLive) August 6, 2015

Hundreds of rescued migrants await disembarkation from the Irish naval vessel the L.É Niamh at Palermo. pic.twitter.com/2lK1G611sV

— Tony Connelly (@tconnellyRTE) August 6, 2015