Call for Book of Condolence to be opened for Rescue 116 victims

Cllr Ailish McManus has called on Athlone Municipal District to open a Book of Condolence for the crew of Coast Guard Rescue 116.

The funeral took place in Glencullen on Saturday of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, who lost her life in the crash.

The other crew members lost in the crash – Mark Duffy, Ciaran Smith and Paul Ormsby – have yet to be recovered, with a massive search and rescue operation still ongoing almost a week after the tragedy.

The Shannon-based Rescue 115 has been extensively involved in the search for its missing sister helicopter and crew.

It is believed Rescue 116 may have hit rocks close to Blackrock island, off the coast of Mayo, but poor weather conditions are hampering efforts to recover the helicopter's black box.

“It is only fitting that we remember the crew of Coast Guard 116 who gave such honourable commitment to their service. We are hugely aware here in Athlone of the dedication and exemplary courage that emergency services show in times of distress.”