Varadkar: Thoughts 'very much with families' of Rescue 116 crew as family and friends gather for anniversary vigil

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.”

Update 10pm: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to the lost crew of R116 today on the first anniversary of the tragedy, writes Elaine Loughlin.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Mr Varadkar said: "It is the one-year anniversary, and they have been on my mind. I have been reading some of the coverage of the anniversary when I have had time over the past couple of days.