The LÉ Samuel Beckett rescued 772 migrants from a large wooden barge during a search and rescue operation conducted North East of Tripoli today.

The operation took place following a request from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre.

The LÉ Samuel Beckett also acted as on scene co-ordinator for four other ships that rescued migrants from approximately 20 small boats within the search area.

The rescue operation began at 6.30am and all the migrants were taken on board LÉ Samuel Beckett by 2.30pm.

The migrants then received food, water and medical treatment where required.

LÉ Samuel Beckett will transfer some migrants to an Italian ship before transferring the remaining migrants to a port of safety.