Displaying items by tag: 10,000 people rescued

21st July 2016

Over 10,000 People Rescued in Mediterranean by Irish Naval Service

The Irish Naval Service has rescued more than 10,000 people in the Mediterranean Sea since the navy's vessels were first deployed to the humanitarian operation in May 2015

#10,000rescued - The Irish Naval Service were praised by Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe for their continued success in assisting with the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.

To date, the Naval Service has rescued more than 10,000 people since the navies vessels were first deployed to the humanitarian operation in May 2015.

In the period May to November 2015, a total of 8,592 people were rescued in the Mediterranean by the navy. In 2016 L.É. Róisín, which was deployed to the Mediterranean on 1 May, rescued a total of 1,264 people.

L.É. James Joyce, which replaced L.É. Róisín as previously reported on Afloat.ie began operations in the Mediterranean on 16 July.

Following the rescue of 162 people on Tuesday, L.É. James Joyce rescued a further 63 people yesterday. This brings the total number of migrants rescued by the Naval Service to date to 10,081.

Since the Irish Naval Service vessels were deployed on the humanitarian mission they have provided assistance to a further 2,209 migrants, who were transferred from other vessels onto the Naval Service vessels and then transited to safety.

Minister Kehoe said “I wish to congratulate the Naval Service for the excellent role they have played in saving the lives of so many migrants since Naval Service vessels were first deployed in May 2015. The Government and I are very proud of your efforts.”

Minister Kehoe added “The deployment of Irish Naval vessels to the Mediterranean to engage in humanitarian search and rescue tasks is an important element in Ireland's response to the migration crisis in the Mediterranean. The success of these operations demonstrates clearly the value of Ireland’s participation in this important work.”

Minister Kehoe went on to say “Unfortunately thousands of people continue to make the very dangerous journey across the Mediterranean. The requirement for humanitarian search and rescue operations in this part of the world remains and Ireland will continue to play its part.”

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.