Coast Guard captain dies in hospital as search goes on for Irish helicopter crash victims
HELICOPTER pilot Dara Fitzpatrick has died in hospital after a crash off the coast of Ireland while the rest of her crew are still missing.
Rescue operation launched after Coast Guard helicopter disappears
Cpt. Fitzpatrick, from the Rescue 116 crew, had served the search and rescue services for more than 20 years after joining CHC, the company that maintains the emergency service system.
The captain made history during her time in aviation, flying the first all-female mission for the service to help a cardiac patient and a critically ill five-year-old to receive treatment three years ago.
Mark Abbey, regional director for CHC, said: "It is with deepest regret that we can confirm that Captain Dara Fitzpatrick passed away following today's accident off the coast of County Mayo in the early hours of this morning.
"We are devastated by this morning's tragic accident.
The captain made history during her time in aviation
“Our thoughts are with Dara's family and friends, as well as those of the three crew who are still missing.
“The extensive search and rescue mission is ongoing."
Meanwhile Cpt. Fitzpatrick’s sister Niamh tweeted a sorrowful message dedicated to her “brave” sibling.
My brave sister Capt Dara Fitzpatrick lost her life in #Rescue116 crash. We are devastated. Please pray for recovery of 3 remaining crew.
— Niamh Fitzpatrick (@NFitzPsychology) March 14, 2017
Dara Fitzpatrick served with Search and Rescue for over 20 years
The 45-year-old was found in the water 6 hours after the crew lost contact with mission control, but later died in hospital.
The search is still ongoing for the other three crew members, with their chances of survival growing slimmer by the minute.
Irish coastguard search and rescue manager Gerard O'Flynn said: "She's been with the company for some 20 years and outside of her work as a pilot she did an enormous amount of work on water safety and was always available to do school visits and just highlight basic water safety.
The 45-year-old was one of the service's most experienced members
The search for the remaining 3 crew members continues
"For all of us involved in the coastguard and particularly, for her family and everybody, it does come as a complete shock, and we want to extend our sincere sympathy to all her family and indeed to her flying colleagues in CHC and simply to everybody who knew her."
The continuing search for the three missing crew members has focused on the an area six miles from the coast of Blacksod, Co Mayo, where the Dublin-based Sikorsky S92 disappeared at 12:45 lost contact as it returned to land to refuel.
Coast guard helicopters as well as Air Corps maritime patrol craft and lifeboats are scouring the area.