The Irish Navy ship, LÉ Samuel Beckett, has arrived back in Ireland just in time for Christmas.
The Naval Service vessel has spent almost three months in the Mediterranean to help in the search and rescue of migrants trying to reach Europe from Africa.
In its most recent operation on Saturday, December 3, they rescued 269 migrants around 23 miles off the coast of Libya.
Family members and friends waiting for the return of the LE Samuel Beckett to the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Co Cork, after it’s humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean. Pic: David Keane.
The LE Samuel Beckett about to dock at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Co Cork, after its humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean. Pic: David Keane.
The LE Samuel Beckett has a crew of 44, including six officers, and they returned to a rousing welcome from their friends and family at Haulbowline, Co. Cork
Liam Kirwan from Kinsale, Co. Cork, waiting for his dad Lt Cdr Darragh Kirwan, commander of the ship. Pic: David Keane.
Leading Comm. Op. Daniel Murphy from Cloyne, Co. Cork, is welcomed home by his fiancee Shauna Morgan from Blackrock. Pic: David Keane.
The brave crew rescued more than 3,000 people from the Mediterranean since they were deployed from Cork on September 23.
Kathleen Murray from Togher in Cork city hugs her grandson Able Mechanic Alan Murray from Churchfield. Pic: David Keane.
Able seaman Martin Kerrigan from Dublin with his family. Pic: David Keane.
