HMS Bulwark in ongoing migrant rescue mission

The Royal Navy flagship HMS Bulwark is currently involved in the rescue of more than 400 migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean in the warship's biggest rescue since it began patrolling the sea.

HMS Bulwark was alerted to four inflatable boats approximately 65km off the coast of Libya packed with around 100 people each.

The passengers, which include children and pregnant women, are being ferried to safety by the amphibious command and control ship's landing craft.

The rescue means the warship has been involved in the rescue of around 600 people in only a week of search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean.

Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, said, "HMS Bulwark and her crew have already proved an invaluable asset in assisting with the Mediterranean migrant crisis.

"The ship is providing medical assistance, food, water and dry clothes to those in need and will transfer them safely to land as soon as possible."

Those rescued will be taken to Italy, the Minisry of Defense said.