On Wednesday during a search and rescue operation off the coast of Libya, LÉ Samuel Beckett rescued 118 people from a capsized rubber vessel.

During the course of the operation it became apparent that the migrant craft was sinking and tragically 5 people have been declared dead. Their bodies are now onboard the LÉ Samuel Beckett.

The rescue operation began at 7.00am and all migrants were taken on board LÉ Samuel Beckett by 8.30am.









The 118 rescued migrants are now receiving food, water and medical treatment.

LÉ Samuel Beckett remains in the area of operations awaiting further direction from the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre.