Gerard O'Flynn, Search and Rescue Operations Manager, Irish Coast Guard says there was 'no prior warning' before ICG helicopter went missing pic.twitter.com/4GefgRoNxQ — RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 14, 2017

'Dark day' for Irish Coast Guard - President

Finding missing helicopter's black box 'crucial'

In Pictures: Coast Guard helicopter lost off Mayo coast

Rescue personnel say small amounts of debris have been found on the sea surface. An intense search is continuing around six miles (10km) west of Blacksod, Co Mayo, where the Dublin-based Sikorsky S92 disappeared after providing cover for another helicopter involved in an early-morning rescue operation. “At approximately 1am contact was lost with one of our Helicopters.”

A major sea search is ongoing off the Co Mayo coast - around six miles west of Blacksod. Rescue 115 posted on Facebook: “Thoughts and prayers for our missing crew from Rescue 116.”

It is current assisting in the search operation along with a Coast Guard helicopter crew based in Sligo plus an Air Corps plane, local lifeboats and fishing boats. Search and rescue helicopters from Sligo and Shannon are involved in the search, along with an Air Corps plane, lifeboats from Ballyglass and Achill and five local fishing boats. “As the search for the Dublin based helicopter R116 is currently underway 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,” 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.’

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross said: ‘As the search for the Dublin based helicopter R116 is currently underway 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.
An Irish Coast Guard helicopter crashes off the coast of County Mayo, killing one person and leaving three others missing.