Irish Examiner
"Update 7.40am: It has emerged the Air Corps was initially asked to provide top cover for the mission missing helicopter Rescue 116 was sent on.
The Defence Forces confirmed to Newstalk Breakfast they could not provide an aircraft outside of normal hours, due to a loss of experienced personnel.
At 10.06pm on Monday night the Irish Air Corps received a request from the coast guard to provide top cover for a long range medical evacuation off the west coast.
They replied that it was not possible to provide fixed wing aircraft cover outside of normal hours.
They have confirmed to Newstalk Breakfast that this is because of a loss of experienced personnel among both air crew and air traffic control.
The Rescue 116 helicopter was subsequently sent to provide top cover for the mission.
The Defence Forces say at 1.45am they then received an emergency request to conduct a search for the helicopter, which had gone missing.
They initiated a recall plan and were able to provide a Casa aircraft to assist in the search and rescue operation."
http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/latest-air-corps-was-initially-asked-to-provide-top-cover-for-rescue-116-mission-781772.html
Last edited by juice; 16th Mar 2017 at 08:30.