Record 771 migrants rescued in a day by Irish Naval Service

The Irish Naval Service made a record 771 migrant rescues in one day in the Mediterranean yesterday, following several operations which began at 6.40am.

It came as the weather improved and cash-hungry people-smugglers sent hapless refugees out in even flimsier craft — primarily because the navy have destroyed the vessels the Islamic State-controlled gangs are using after rescuing migrants from them.

The crew of LÉ James Joyce initially rescued 617 people from three wooden craft and five dinghies and brought them onboard the ship where they were given food, water, and medical treatment.