Shane Ross announces details of independent review into search and rescue operations
A review into search and rescue operations following the Coast Guard Rescue 116 crash will look at any gaps or lack of clarity in the roles, processes, training and resources available.
The Minister for Transport has announced details of the independent review that will take place following the helicopter crash off Blackrock Island in Mayo last year, where four crew members lost their lives.
It will be led by Professor Jules Kneepkens along with a team of international experts - who will also examine the practices and procedures in search and rescue oversight in place and make recommendations to address the issues.
On March 14 last year a Coastguard chopper went down at Blackrock Island.
The bodies of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick and Captain Mark Duffy were recovered – however their colleagues Paul Ormsby and Ciaran Smith remain lost at sea.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit is still looking into the cause of the crash – but an interim report more than two months ago recommended a thorough review of the State’s search and rescue aviation operations.
