In Pictures: Coast Guard helicopter lost off Mayo coast

Updated / Tuesday, 14 Mar 2017 15:56
A major sea search was launched after communications with a Coast Guard rescue helicopter was lost at 12.45am
A major sea search was launched after communications with a Coast Guard rescue helicopter was lost at 12.45am
The search area was focused around 10km west of Blacksod in Co Mayo
The search area was focused around 10km west of Blacksod in Co Mayo
The Rescue R116 helicopter, pictured here in 2015, was providing cover for another rescue mission at the time
The Rescue R116 helicopter, pictured here in 2015, was providing cover for another rescue mission at the time
There were four crew members on board at the time
There were four crew members on board at the time
The Air Corps, the LÉ Róisín and local fishing vessels joined the Coast Guard in the search
The Air Corps, the LÉ Róisín and local fishing vessels joined the Coast Guard in the search
One crew member was recovered from the water in a critical condition at around 7am
One crew member was recovered from the water in a critical condition at around 7am
What appears to be wreckage was found near the last known location of the missing helicopter
What appears to be wreckage was found near the last known location of the missing helicopter
Local fishermen and members of the local community return from the search
Local fishermen and members of the local community return from the search
Visibility last night 'wasn't too good' but suitable for carrying out the operation, the Coast Guard said
Visibility last night 'wasn't too good' but suitable for carrying out the operation, the Coast Guard said
Minister for Transport Shane Ross described it as 'an extremely difficult time for all concerned'
Minister for Transport Shane Ross described it as 'an extremely difficult time for all concerned'
An Irish Coast Guard helicopter returns to Blacksod for refuelling, as the search continues
An Irish Coast Guard helicopter returns to Blacksod for refuelling, as the search continues
Members of the garda water unit prepare to join the search for the helicopter
Members of the garda water unit prepare to join the search for the helicopter

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