Search continuing in Blacksod Bay for two missing crew members

THE search is continuing for two crew members missing since a Coast Guard rescue helicopter crashed off the Mayo coast.

According to RTE News, efforts are being made to lift the main section of wreckage to allow divers to carry out further inspections at sea.

The main focus of the operation remains around Blackrock island, ten nautical miles off shore.

After two weeks of the massive search effort, Naval Service divers are embarking on what has been described as the final phase of the recovery effort around the wreckage of Rescue 116.

Overnight, the Marine Institute Remotely Operated Vehicle worked on the sea bed, clearing debris and rocks adjacent to the aircraft.

This afternoon, airbags are due to be placed underneath the wreckage to allow for it to be lifted slightly from the sea bed.

This will allow inspections in an area that has been inaccessible until now.

This phase of the investigation will complete the immediate tasks around Rescue 116, 40 metres below sea level.