Galway Bay fm newsroom - A search operation is underway for a coastguard helicopter missing off the west coast.
Contact was lost with one of the Search and Rescue helicopters just before one o'clock this morning and a major sea search is ongoing off the county Mayo coast, about six miles west of Blacksod.
Search and Rescue helicopters from Sligo and Shannon are attending, along with the Air Corps Casa aircraft.
Lifeboats and fishing vessels are also involved.
Ger Hegarty is the Divisional controller at the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre - he says there was no indication that the helicopter had run into difficulty.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D. has expressed deep concern for the missing crew.
Minister 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.
He says: ''This is an extremely difficult time for all concerned. As we await further information I would like to appeal for space to be given to the relevant professionals involved in the search operation to complete their work. Once again, I send my utmost support to all those affected.”
