LÉ William Butler Yeats rescues 285 migrants

Irish Naval vessel recovers remains of three people during Mediterranean operations

A rescue operation  involving the LÉ William Butler Yeats in the Mediterranean Sea. Photograph: Irish Defence Forces
A rescue operation involving the LÉ William Butler Yeats in the Mediterranean Sea. Photograph: Irish Defence Forces

The LÉ William Butler Yeats has rescued 285 people during two rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Irish Naval vessel also recovered the remains of three migrants during the operations on Friday about 44km northwest of the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

The LÉ William Butler Yeats took part in the operations following a request from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre.

One hundred and forty-six migrants were rescued from a rubber vessel during the first operation, which began at 10.12am and was over by 12.28pm.

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One hundred and thirty-nine migrants were rescued from another rubber vessel in the second operation, which began at 1.39pm and ended by 3.25pm.

The three deceased migrants were recovered during the second operation.

Those rescued are now receiving food, water and medical treatment.