Tributes paid to ‘brave’ helicopter pilot Captain Dara Fitzpatrick

Friends, family and colleagues have been paying tribute to Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, the mum-of-one who lost her fight for life following a helicopter crash off the coast of Mayo.

Dara and three of her colleagues were returning back to base after an overnight rescue mission around 1am on Monday night when the Coastguard helicopter fell out of contact. Helicopter pilot Dara, whose flying career spanned over twenty years, was found by members of the RNLI crew and brought to hospital where she later passed away. The search continues for three of her colleagues, Chief Pilot Mark Duffy and winchmen Paul Ormsby and Ciarán Smith. A statement has been released on behalf of the Fitzpatrick family to Today FM:

"We are so proud of Dara's work and all she has done to save the lives of others over the years. "We are completely heartbroken and we pray for the recovery of the other three crew".

Dara is survived by her three-year-old son, parents, three sisters and brother. On Morning Ireland today, her colleagues at Dun Laoghaire RNLI shared fond memories of Dara's dedication to her job and her huge smile. Our thoughts are with her family.

My brave sister Capt Dara Fitzpatrick lost her life in #Rescue116 crash. We are devastated. Please pray for recovery of 3 remaining crew.

— Niamh Fitzpatrick (@NFitzPsychology) March 14, 2017

Me & my gorgeous sister Dara...we'll miss you forever & love you always #RIPDara #Rescue116 pic.twitter.com/yIfFDlztU2

— Orla Fitzpatrick (@ofitzp) March 15, 2017

Main image via RTÉ