The LE Eithne has now rescued over 1,000 migrants stranded in the Mediterranean since it departed Ireland last month.
This weekend alone the Irish crew has rescued over 500 people who had been stranded as they attempted to get to mainland Europe from Libya.
Last night an operation involving all European vessels in the region continued to help those on board 14 vessels floating adrift at sea.
Captain David Barry is managing the LE Eithne from the Irish Naval Base in Cork he says it's been a difficult task for his crew:
