#PresidentTribute - Naval Service members were paid tribute by President Michael D Higgins for rescuing migrants trying to get to Europe by crossing the Mediterranean, writes The Irish Times.

About 200 members of the Naval Service, and others from the Defence Forces, were invited to a special St Patrick’s Day reception at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Personnel that crewed the LÉ Eithne, LÉ Niamh and LÉ Samuel Beckett, and who took in excess of 8,000 migrants from waters attended. For more click here.

Two of the naval vessels, Afloat adds, OPV's LÉ Niamh and LÉ Samuel Beckett berthed in Dublin yesterday along the Liffey quays. Also berthed in close proximity the French Navy OPV Flamant which in on a visit to the capital for the festivities.