Crews from Médecins Sans Frontières based in the Mediterranean came to the rescue of 2-thousand migrants today - the largest rescue operation to date.

As part of the mission crews from the LE-Eithne rescued 400 of the stranded migrants - the sixth successful operation for the naval vessel since it departed from Cork on the 16th of May.

Meanwhile, a major operation involving all European naval ships in the region is ongoing this evening as officers attempt to reach 14 migrant vessels.

Speaking about this morning's rescue Director of Médecins Sans Frontières in Ireland, Jane-Ann McKenna, says many of those brought to safety were women and children;