The Irish naval vessel the LÉ Niamh has rescued 256 migrants, 90km off the coast of Tripoli, in its second operation since arriving in the area on Saturday.

The migrants, 235 men, 13 women and 8 children, were aboard a wooden barge at the time of rescue, a spokesperson for the Defences Forces said.

The operation was successfully completed at 4pm local time.

The LÉ Niamh is currently on stand-by for further operations and is awaiting direction from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre.

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Yesterday the vessel came to the aid of 98 migrants, who were making the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean in a rubber craft.

The LÉ Niamh departed Ireland on Friday 10th of July, with a crew of fifty-seven personnel, including two Army medics, and is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Danial Wall.

It replaces the LÉ Eithne and her 69-strong crew, who returned to Ireland to a hero's welcome, after an eight week mission in which it saved the lives of almost 3,400 people.

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