merrion street

The Sligo based Coast Guard helicopter (R118) has located and recovered three casualties from a life raft , approximately 16 miles off Eagle Island Co Mayo. following the capsize of their vessel earlier today. The Coast Guard operation was co-ordinated by Malin Head Rescue Coordination centre who picked up a mayday broadcast shortly after 1230. The Sligo based Coast Guard helicopter and Ballyglass RNLI were immediately tasked to search the area. The search was also supported by an Air Corps Casa maritime patrol aircraft which was airborne at the time. At approximately 1.20 pm the Coast Guard helicopter spotted flares which enabled them locate the casualties. The three casualties were recovered from the liferaft by the helicopter and were transferred to Sligo University hospital.