merrion street

The Dublin based Coast Guard Helicopter R116 is assisting the Northern Ireland authorities with a search for a missing person in the Downpatrick area of Co Down. In accordance with standing arrangements a request was received earlier this morning by MRCC Dublin from the UK  Maritime Coastguard Agency to assist the PSNI with the search. The Dublin based Coast Guard helicopter arrive on scene shortly before first light – approx. 0650 and the search is ongoing. The helicopter search is being coordinated through Belfast Coastguard.

Interaction of this type is regular feature of search and rescue cooperation between the UK and Irish authorities. This is the fourth request for  Helicopter  SAR support provided to  NI authorities this year.