The Air Accident Investigation Unit says it will not be possible to issue a final report into the accident involving Rescue 116 and its four crew members off north Mayo last March – within 12 months of the date of the accident.

However, in line with national and European legislation, an interim statement will be published, detailing the progress of the investigation and any safety issues raised.

Coastguard Rescue 116 crashed off Blackrock Island in the early hours of March 14th last year.

A preliminary report was issued one month after the crash.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit is still in the process of gathering factual and background information, and says it has made steady progress,

Due to the depth and breadth of the investigation, it will not be possible to issue a final report before the first anniversary of the tragedy but they’re hoping to issue an interim statement by that date.