`All we islanders depend for our safety and security on the selfless dedication of the men and women who provide our rescue services. Because of their total professionalism, commitment and willingness to respond in impossible weather conditions, it has never been safer to live here.
"Without them, our survival as island communities would be threatened. My heart goes out today to the wives, children, parents and families of these brave men who have made the ultimate sacrifice to save others. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in their grief."
These are the words of Dr Marion Broderick, Aran Islands lifeboat medical officer and GP, who is one of many to convey sympathy to the Air Corps on the loss of four airmen in Co Waterford on Friday.
Up in the north-west, where a special award ceremony for Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES) personnel set for last Friday was deferred, there are people who remember the heroism of one of the men who died.
Capt David O'Flaherty had tested the limits of the Dauphin helicopter in an extraordinary rescue in February 1998. The Shannon-based IMES Sikorsky had answered a call-out to lift an injured fisherman from a Norwegian vessel off Co Mayo in 50knot winds with a 20ft swell. However, the Sikorsky's equipment failed and it had to abandon the task.
The Air Corps Dauphin, based at Finner, Co Donegal, was called out. Along with Comdt Sean Murphy, Airman John O'Rourke and Airman Jim O'Neill, Capt O'Flaherty escorted the Sikorsky to Blacksod, Co Mayo. The Dauphin refuelled and flew back to airlift the injured man and an IMES winchman left behind from the Sikorsky.
The Dauphin then took the injured man to Sligo hospital and had barely touched down when it received a request to pick up a sick man on Inishbiggle, Co Mayo, and bring him to Castlebar.
Contact number
Readers who wish to contact Lorna Siggins can leave messages by dialling (01) 6707711, extension 6299
