Today's rescue operation Source: Irish Defence Forces/Flickr

THE LÉ WILLIAM Butler Yeats successfully located and rescued 117 migrants from a rubber craft 42 nautical miles (about 78km) northeast of Tripoli earlier today.

The ship became involved in the operation following a request from the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

It also coordinated the rescue of a further 117 people by the MV Alexander Maersk.

Some of the children who were rescued today Source: Irish Defence Forces/Flickr

All 234 people are now on board the LÉ William Butler Yeats receiving food, water and medical treatment as required.

#Open journalism No news is bad news Support The Journal Your contributions will help us continue to deliver the stories that are important to you Support us now

Note: The figures from today’s rescue have yet to be confirmed by Italian authorities.