Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
100-strong flotilla unites to remember Rescue 116 crew
Sea tribute to tragic copter crash heroes
NEARLY 100 boats took part in a cross-border flotilla on Carlingford Lough yesterday in memory of a tragic Coast Guard helicopter crew.
Four wreaths were laid by representatives of those killed and red and white roses were also placed in the water. The vessels were played into the marina by a piper.
A flypast by another Coast Guard helicopter marked poignant scenes amid the heavy downpours.
Rescue 116 crashed off Co Mayo at 12.46am on March 14 after it struck Blackrock Island 12 miles from the coast.
The bodies of winchmen Paul Ormsby and Ciaran Smith were never recovered despite weeks of intensive seabed, surface and shore searches.
Also on board were Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, who was pulled from the sea hours after the crash but later died, and co-pilot Mark Duffy whose body was taken from the cockpit 12 days later by Navy divers.
Mr Duffy’s uncle Terry Murray took part in the flotilla.
He said: “We are very impressed that so many people came out and offered their support. It is very heartening.” He said the gesture during the flypast of the helicopter, its nose dipping, was very touching. He added: “It just brings home what these flight crews go through.
“It was great support and is much appreciated.”
All marine vessels on Carlingford Lough were invited to join the flotilla yesterday, culminating in a ceremony at Rostrevor Bay in Co Down.
Kilkeel RNLI lifeboats were among those present.
Organiser Sheila Fitzgerald, whose cousin winchman Ciaran Smith died in the crash, said: “It’s such an important cross-border event and it’s important to remember, if you’re a mariner and you’re in trouble at sea, you don’t care who comes to rescue you.”