Irish Coastguard helicopter previously stationed in isles

A SEARCH and rescue helicopter which tragically crashed off the Irish coast was stationed in Shetland for five years until 2012, it has emerged.

The helicopter’s captain, Dara Fitzpatrick, died in the accident in the early hours of Tuesday and three other crew remembers remain missing.

Manufacturers Sikorsky and operators CHC are investigating the incident.

The S92 helicopter involved, which was a relatively young aircraft at 10 years old, was based at Sumburgh between 2007 and 2012 before being transferred to Ireland.

When its contract ended in 2012, it coincided with the Irish search and rescue service’s transition from S61 to S92 aircraft.