Crewmen aboard the LÉ Eithne at it departs from the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork, with Cobh in the background. Photo: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

Defence Minister Paul Kehoe said Ireland was immensely proud of the humanitarian work being carried out in the Mediterranean by the Naval Service.

He was speaking as LÉ Eithne sailed to start Ireland's third summer of migrant rescue missions under Operation Pontus.Mr Kehoe attended Haulbowline Naval Base to personally wish Captain Brian Fitzgerald and his 72-strong crew well on their three-month mission.

"I feel immensely proud of the crew members that are going out to the Mediterranean.

"We have seen over the last number of years the immense difference that the Naval Service has made in rescuing migrants," he said.

LÉ Eithne has been assigned to begin the rotation of three ships on rescue operations in the Mediterranean.

Irish Independent