#LeNiamhReturns - The crew of a Naval Service patrol ship savoured a hero’s welcome home after three months in the Mediterranean during which time they saved more than 4,200 migrants, reports the Irish Independent.

The LE Niamh and her 59-strong crew arrived back yesterday at Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork to full military honours and a dockside thronged by families desperate to be reunited with their loved ones.

The ship made history as the first Irish vessel on which a baby was successfully delivered.

More than 500 relatives, friends and colleagues gathered on the dockside to cheer the crew as they ended their three month tour of duty.

Defence Forces chief of staff, Vice-Admiral Mark Mellet, said the families had every right to be proud of what the crew had achieved.

"In the course of doing their job they have seen things that no-one should have to witness," he added.
LE Niamh also recovered multiple bodies from the Mediterranean after migrant boats capsized and sank.

The vessel arrives in Cork after being replaced on station off North Africa by LE Samuel Beckett which as reported on Afloat.ie met in the western Mediterranean earlier this week to transfer equipment and key personnel.

The new Irish patrol vessel took up duties off the North African coast on Thursday evening. For more about the homecoming of the OPV to Cork Harbour, click here.