Council condoles with Irish airwoman's family

Councillor Kelly proposed that, the Council, ‘on behalf of the citizens of the District express sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, who has lost her life as a result of the R116 Coast Guard helicopter crash off Blacksod Bay Co Mayo and solidarity with those involved in the combined rescue services that continue in efforts to find the remaining missing crew members. They are in all of our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.'

He said: "It was with deep sadness that we heard of the tragedy which occurred off the Mayo Coast in the early hours of Tuesday morning when an Irish Coast Guard helicopter crashed into the sea with four crew members on board. While Captain Dara Fitzpatrick was rescued she unfortunately died a few hours later.

“As we are acutely aware, the Irish Coast Guard is called into action regularly on rescue missions in all 32 counties of Ireland to fishermen, seafarers, and many others who have gotten into difficulty over the years.

"I want to pay tribute to their dedication and send a message of solidarity to all the emergency services who are currently involved in the search for the remaining missing crew members.

"We can only imagine how difficult it must be to be involved in such a search, especially when it involves colleagues in service.

“On behalf of the citizens of Derry City and Strabane District Council I recommend that a letter of condolences on the death of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick and thoughts and prayers for the families of the three missing crew members be sent to the Irish Coast Guard.”