An underwater robot deployed this morning off the Mayo coast has located the wreckage of Rescue 116.
Search teams and rescue workers have described the discovery as “hugely significant” and hopes are high the wreckage may contain the three missing crew members.
The next phase of the operation is to determine if the three missing crew members- Mark Duffy, Ciaran Smith and Paul Ormsby are actually with the wreckage.
Speaking at Blacksod lighthouse from where the operation is being coordinated, Supt Tony Healy said “This morning a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV) from the Granuaile conducted operations on the sea bed and we located parts of Rescue 116.
“We’re actively assessing what we found…this is a hugely significant step in the ongoing process of the crew of rescue 116”.
A statement from the Air Accident Investigation Unit reads; “The AAIU in consultation with An Garda Síochána, the Navy, the Coast Guard, the GSI and the Marine Institute wish to advise that following initial Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) operations the wreckage of R116 has been positively located on the sea bed on the Eastern side of Black Rock, at a depth of approx. 40m.
“Operations are continuing but are weather dependent.”
The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) was launched shortly after 9am this morning from the Marine Institute vessel, the Granuaile.
It is the second time search teams have managed to deploy the high-tech device.
