News | Latest Breaking News Stories & Headlines

The crew of Rescue R116 (L-R) Dara Fitzpatrick, Mark Duffy, Paul Ormsby and Ciarán Smith

Longing to recover those lost at sea after R116 inquest

The deaths of Rescue 116 crew members on Blackrock Island have shone a light on shortcomings, shortcuts and short-term planning, writes Western Correspondent Pat McGrath.

Analysis and Comment • 04 Jun 22

The crew of R116 died when their helicopter crashed in March 2017

Father of R116 pilot praises jury for 'amazing job'

Verdicts of accidental death have been returned by a jury at the inquests into the Rescue 116 helicopter crash five years ago.

Ireland • 02 Jun 22

The inquest was formally opened in April 2018 but was adjourned to allow for the completion of separate investigations into the tragedy

Inquest into deaths of R116 crew to resume tomorrow

The inquests into the deaths of four Coast Guard crew members, five years ago, have been adjourned for the night and will resume in the morning.

Connacht • 01 Jun 22

A pilot reported that the lighthouse on Blackrock Island was not on the onboard obstacle warning system

Pilot raised Blackrock issues four years before crash

The report in the 2017 crash of the R116 helicopter, which killed four crew members, provides detail in relation to earlier concerns about obstacles being missing from on-board navigational aids used by Irish Coast Guard crews.

Ireland • 05 Nov 21

Four crew members were killed when Rescue 116 crashed into Blackrock Island in March 2017

'Navigational issues' a major factor in R116 crash

Navigational issues have been identified as a major contributory factor in an Irish Coast Guard helicopter crash off the Mayo coast almost five years ago.

Ireland • 05 Nov 21

Eamon Ryan denied that officials for the department strenuously fought against costs being awarded to families

Dept to pay legal costs of R116 victims' families

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has written to the families of the crew of R116 to let them know that the department will cover their "reasonable legal expenses" incurred as a result of the review into the accident.

Politics • 21 Oct 21

The inquiry was launched almost three years ago, after the Dublin based Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter crashed into Blackrock Island

Review board to examine R116 crash report

A review board has been established to examine the draft final report into a Coast Guard helicopter crash three years ago.

Connacht • 11 Mar 20

Dara Fitzpatrick (L), Paul Ormsby, Ciarán Smith and Mark Duffy died in the crash off the Mayo coast

Second anniversary of R116 crash marked in Mayo

A memorial service has been held in Co Mayo to mark the second anniversary of the Rescue 116 Coast Guard Helicopter crash in which four crew members died.

Ireland • 14 Mar 19

Families of the R116 crew gathered at Blacksod to mark the first anniversary of the crash

Events held in Co Mayo to mark R116 crash anniversary

A series of events have taken place in Co Mayo today to mark the first anniversary of the Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 116 crash that resulted in the deaths of four crew members.

Regional • 14 Mar 18

Dara Fitzpatrick (L), Mark Duffy, Paul Ormsby and Ciarán Smith died in the rescue helicopter crash off the Mayo Coast on 14 March last year

R116 report won't be finished before crash anniversary

The Air Accident Investigation Unit has said the extent of the inquiry into the fatal crash of Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 116 means a final report on the matter will not be completed by the first anniversary of the incident in March.

Ireland • 31 Jan 18

Ciarán Smith and Paul Ormsby have been missing since R116 crashed into Blackrock Island on 14 March last

Gear washed ashore may belong to missing R116 crew

Gardaí in Co Mayo believe that a helmet and life jacket washed ashore near Blacksod belong to one of two men missing since a Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter crashed last March.

News • 01 Oct 17

The crew of Rescue 116 were lost when their helicopter crashed into Blackrock Island on 14 March

Search for R116 crew continues off Blackrock Island

Underwater searches are continuing off Blackrock Island in Co Mayo as part of the ongoing investigation into the fatal crash of the Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter last March.

R116 • 24 Jul 17