The Irish Naval Service vessel LÉ Eithne is making preparations to be deployed to the Mediterranean to help with the ongoing effort to manage the migrant crisis. She is expected to depart Haulbowline, Cork on the 1st May.
LÉ Eithne rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean in 2015
LÉ Eithne is a Helicopter patrol vessel and the flagship of the Irish Navy. Built at Verolme Dockyard, Rushbrook, County Cork, she was commissioned in 1984. As a Helicopter patrol vessel, she was originally designed to carry helicopters and is the only naval vessel with a flight deck.
LÉ Eithne visiting Dun Laoghaire
The ship recently visited Dun Laoghaire harbour where her crew accepted the award of the Honorary Freedom of Entry in recognition of the Irish Naval Services humanitarian missions on behalf of the people of Ireland and the European Union. The award also to acknowledge the duties undertaken by officers and crew of the Irish Naval Service as part of Operation Pontus – the international effort to aid migrants in the Mediterranean.
The crew will continue this life saving service when the ship is due to be deployed on 1st May.
