Coast Guard captain dies in hospital
The captain of an Irish Coast Guard helicopter that has gone missing off the west of Ireland has died.
Last updated 14th Mar 2017
Captain Dara Fitzpatrick was recovered from the water but she died in hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
A search is continuing for the other three crew from the Dublin-based aircraft, which was providing cover for another helicopter involved in an early morning rescue operation.
Contact was lost with the crew at around 1am.
An intense sea search is under way off the Co Mayo coast - around six miles west of Blacksod.
Coast Guard helicopters from Sligo and Shannon along with the Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft Casa were involved in the search.
They were joined by lifeboats from Ballyglass and Achill, and five local fishing vessels.
A Coast Guard spokesman said the missing helicopter had been providing cover in the evacuation of a crewman who needed urgent medical attention, from a UK-registered fishing vessel approximately 150 miles west of Eagle Island in Co Mayo.
Owing to the distance involved, safety and communication support, known as Top Cover, was provided by the second Coast Guard helicopter, the Dublin based R116,'' he said.
The search operation is being coordinated by the Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centre in Malin Head.
Both helicopters refuelled at Blacksod prior to transiting to the scene.''
Dublin's Transport Minister Shane Ross expressed his deep concern'' over the helicopter's disappearance.
He said: As the search for the Dublin-based helicopter R116 is currently under way I would like to express my sincere support and sympathies for all those involved, particularly those family members who are awaiting news of their loved ones.
This is an extremely difficult time for all concerned.''
Mr Ross appealed for space to be given to those involved in the search operation to complete their work.
Once again, I send my utmost support to all those affected,'' he added.