Niamh Fitzpatrick, sister of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, tweeted: “Through these absolute worst times in life I have seen the absolute best of humanity. Thank you.”

People have since taken to Twitter to praise the tribute.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has offered his “deepest sympathy” to the families of Irish Coast Guard workers affected by the tragedy off the coast of Mayo in the early hours of yesterday morning.