LE Róisín starts Mediterranean mission to rescue refugees from sea
As efforts continue to try to end violence in Syria, the Irish Navy will begin its fourth refugee rescue mission in the Mediterranean today.
The 57-member crew of the LÉ Róisín is being deployed to help those attempting to get access to Europe from war-torn countries.
So far this year, just over 1,200 people have died in the massive waterway according to the International Organisation for Migration.
Last year the Irish Navy pulled 8,000 people from the waters. CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland Brian Kiloran said the Irish Navy is making a significant effort on behalf of Ireland.
"The presence of the Irish Navy in the Mediterranean has been a tremendous source of pride for Ireland, but also has saved so many lives in so many crucial situations," he said.
"It shows what can be done to use our professionalism to try to respond in a humanitarian way."
Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State John Kerry is attending the Syrian peace talks in Geneva today in a bid to bring the bombing of Aleppo to an end.
He has called for a return to a nationwide ceasefire, saying continued airstrikes on the northern city are a violation of the current ceasefire deal.
The Syrian regime is insisting the strikes are legitimate because they are targeting what they call terrorists.
Mr Kerry is calling on Russia to back efforts to stop the violence, saying a return to peace is the top priority.
