Helicopter targeted twice by 'high intensity' laser during rescue operation on Sunday

The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116, which was targeted by a laser twice during a rescue operation on Sunday. File picture: Andy Gibson

Gardaí and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) are investigating after a “high-intensity laser” was shone at Rescue helicopter 116 both as it departed from and returned to Dublin Airport during a rescue operation on Sunday night.

The helicopter left Dublin Airport for the seas off the Co Wicklow coast at about 9.30pm on Sunday, following a call from Dublin’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC).