Possible charges, R116 inquests hear
INQUESTS OPENED INTO THE VICTIMS OF TRAGIC RESCUE 116 CRASH
INQUESTS into the tragic deaths of the crew of Coastguard Rescue 116 in March 2017 were opened and adjourned in County Mayo last week.
The inquests were adjourned as it emerged that Gardai investigating the Rescue 116 helicopter crash are preparing a file for the DPP to determine if there is any criminal culpability or negligence related to the crash.
The inquest into the tragedy opened in Belmullet, County Mayo, where coroner Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald heard evidence from a number of different agencies outlining the initial search operation and subsequent investigations.
Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, Dundalk na- tive Captain Mark Duffy, winchman Ciaran Smith and winch operator Paul Ormsby died after their Irish Coast Guard helicopter crashed around 12km off the west coast.
Death certificates were issued for the four crew including Mr Smith and Mr Ormsby, after the coroner allowed evidence to be heard to formally declare them deceased as missing at sea.
Inspector Gary Walsh, of Belmullet garda station, also told the inquest that a file was being prepared for the DPP by Gardai in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
This, Inspector Walsh said, is to determine if there is any criminal culpability or negligence in the case.
However, the senior investigator also said that there is a delay in the investigation as Gardai are still awaiting documentation pertinent to their inquiry.
The preliminary inquest also heard that the cause of death for Dara Fitzpatrick was drowning, while Mark Duffy passed away from multiple injuries.
Dr Fitzgerald adjourned the inquest until a later date to allow for the various investigations into the tragedy to be completed.
A preliminary statement into the crash was issued by the Air Accident Investigation last month, but a full report into the incident is not expected to be completed for a number of months.
Meanwhile the crew of Rescue 116, The Irish Coast Guard, the late volunteer member Caitríona Lucas and the community of Erris were honoured at the People of the Year Awards presented on Sunday night in the Mansion House.
The award recognised the heroic work by the men and women of the Irish Coast Guard who risk their lives to assist maritime and coastal communities, while the people of Erris were recognised for their contribution to the search for the missing crew of Rescue 116.
Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Operations Manager Gerard O’Flynn, said: ‘Going above and beyond is the norm for members of the Coast Guard service.
‘ The fact that these men and women often put their own lives in danger to carry out their duties makes the search and rescue crews such a remarkable group of people.’