Crew member rescued from helicopter crash dies

The crew member who was rescued off the west coast this morning as part of a major search has died in hospital.

Captain Dara Fitzpatrick is the only member of the four-person crew to be rescued so far after the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, which is based in Dublin, disappeared from radar.

Captain Fitzpatrick was rescued just before daybreak and taken to Mayo University Hospital where her condition was said to be critical.

Speaking earlier, Head of Operations at the Irish Coast Guard, Eugene Clonan has said “it’s a dark day for the emergency services”.

Speaking on RTE Radio One this morning Eugene Clonan of the Irish Coast Guard said: “The intention was to stop to refuel but she never made it.

“It flew from Dublin and straight out to sea, and then flew back to Black Sod to refuel but didn’t make it to Black Sod.”

“At this particular point in time, our hopes are fading of finding the remainder of the crew.”

A major search operation is now underway, with Garda divers expected to enter the water this afternoon as the search continues for the remaining three crew members.