The Irish Navy vessel Lé James Joyce has reportedly rescued 423 migrants from 18 makeshift vessels during a difficult search and rescue operation.
The vessel save the stranded migrants after they got into difficulties about 40 nautical miles north-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli. The crew onboard the vessel were called in by the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre.
The rescue mission began at approximately 8.40am this morning, and all 423 migrants were taken on board the LÉ James Joyce by 1.45pm, where they are now understood to be receiving food, water and medical treatment.