The Garda Helicopter Air Support Unit and the Garda underwater team were commended by the Dublin City Coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, at an inquest yesterday.
He said the helicopter, carrying an infra-red camera, played a vital role in the speedy recovery of the body of a 39-year-old Cavan man who drowned in the Liffey at O'Connell Bridge on November 1st last, and also proved extremely useful in other operations in recent weeks and months.
The inquest heard that the tide was coming in at the time of the man's death and that the helicopter crew was able to pinpoint the location of his body in the water for the underwater team.
Dr Farrell recorded an open verdict.