The LÉ Niamh is due to return to Cork Harbour today following its hugely successful humanitarian and search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
Upon arrival the ship and crew are to be greeted by newly-appointed Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Vice Admiral Mark Mellett.
LÉ Niamh has saved the lives of over 4,000 migrants and refugees during intensive search and rescue operations over the course of its 10-week mission in the Mediterranean.
LÉ Samuel Beckett, with a crew of 59, is replacing LÉ Niamh in the Mediterranean as part of Ireland’s ongoing humanitarian commitment to the region.
During recent humanitarian missions, the Irish Naval Service has rescued over 7,000 people from the waters between Libya and Sicily.