Rescue 116 crash – lifejacket and helmet recovered
By Maurice Garvey
A HELMET and lifejacket believed to be from the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116, have been recovered from the Atlantic, almost 16 months after the tragedy.
The crash in March 2017 resulted in the deaths of four crew members – including Ballyfermot winchman Paul Ormsby.
Whilst the bodies of Dara Fitzpatrick and Mark Duffy were recovered in the days following the accident, their two colleagues, Ciarán Smith and Paul Ormsby, remain lost at sea.
It is understood a fisherman discovered the items while fishing just off the west coast — about one nautical mile north of Achill Island, on Thursday, July 12.
Gardai in Belmullet, who are overseeing the investigation into the deaths of the helicopter crew, have taken possession of the items.
Earlier this year, a series of events took place in Mayo to mark the one-year anniversary of the tragic crash.
In June 2017, a memorial service was held at St Matthew’s Church in Ballyfermot for Paul, admired locally for his dedication to the job and his family.
Hundreds of mourners turned out to pay their respects in Ballyfermot, including Transport Minister Shane Ross, the Defence Forces, President Michael D Higgins represented by his aide-de-camp, Capt Eoin Rochford, and the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny by his aide-de-camp, Commdt Dave Duff.
