Irish Naval officers have rescued 128 people off the coast of Libya today.

Following a request from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, the LÉ James Joyce successfully located and rescued the refugees from a rubber craft located in the Mediterranean sea northwest of Tripoli.

The rescue operation was launched at 6:30am, and all people were safely taken on board by 9:20am.

They are now receiving food, water and medical treatment where required.