Operation Triton has a mandate to protect the EU’s sea borders and therefore cannot deploy ships closer to Libya, according to a French commanding officer.

Lieutenant Commander Thomas Vuong said this did not mean that vessels taking part in the operation were not obliged to save lives at sea.

Lt Cmdr Thomas Vuong, commanding officer of the French ship Commandant Birot which is patrolling the Mediterranean as part of the EU border control operation Triton. Photos: Matthew Mirabelli

The ship under his command is one of the French vessels committed to Triton, run by Frontex, the EU border agency.

He told Times of Malta the ship was involved in a rescue on May 2 when the crew saved 216 migrants who were in distress in the Mediterranean.

Human rights groups have criticised the EU because the Frontex operation that took over from the Italian Mare Nostrum did not extend far south, where many of the migrant tragedies took place.

“The bottom line of Triton is to protect the EU’s maritime borders and it only makes sense to do so close to the borders,” Lt Cmdr Vuong said as he warded off criticism.

Saving lives off Libya is a different mission, he added.

“When we are called to assist in a rescue operation we do so under the command of the Rome search and rescue coordination centre.” The ship, the Commandant Birot, joined the EU border operations in the central Mediterranean last month and will complete its tour by the end of May. It entered the Grand Harbour on Thursday for a few days of rest for its 91 crew members.

The ship and the crew are well-equipped to defend themselves

Lt Cmdr Vuong said his men were proud to have contributed to save lives.

“The crew were very receptive and professional in rescuing the 216 people and caring for them. Safety at sea is the priority of any sailor.”

Asked about the potential threat of being attacked by people smugglers – an Icelandic coastguard ship operating under Frontex was shot at last month by smugglers – Lt Cmdr Vuong said his crew were prepared for any eventuality.

The corvette, which is smaller than a frigate but larger than a patrol boat, is well equipped to counter armed threats.

It even has a 100mm cannon and anti-missile technology. “The ship and the crew are well-equipped to defend themselves,” Lt Cmdr Vuong said.