Black box recorder from Rescue Helicoper 116 is recovered

THE black box recorder from Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 116 has been recovered, the Air Accident Investigation Unit has confirmed.

 The recorder was taken on board the Commissioners of Irish Lights' vessel, Granuaile, before being transferred to Dublin en route to the UK for examination.

The AAIU said the recorder appears to be in good condition with no external damage visible.

The black box contains both cockpit voice recordings and data on the history of the flight.

Conditions at sea were favourable today. After detailed preparations over recent days, teams of specialist Naval Service divers spent the day carrying out their task.

The search for the three missing crew members - Captain Mark Duffy, Winch Operator Paul Ormsby and Winchman Ciarán Smith – is continuing.