Tributes are pouring in for Catriona Lucas, the volunteer Irish coastguard who lost her life off the coast of Clare yesterday.
President Michael D Higgins has written to express his condolences to the family of the 41 year old.
The 41-year-old died during a rescue – making her the first volunteer Irish coastguard to be killed while on duty.
Investigators are hoping to discover exactly what happened – it's thought a freak wave hit her boat.
Two other crew members were airlifted to safety, and are recovering in Hospital today.
Manager of the Irish Coastguard – Kilsheelan based Declan Geoghan – says Catriona dedicated her life to helping others.
A Book of Condolence will be opened from 2pm today at the Clare County Council offices and from 10am tomorrow at the library in Ennistymon.
Mattie Shannon of the Doolin Coastguard worked with Catriona and says she was a valuable member of the team.
Meanwhile a member of the Lough Derg RNLI crew has spoken of the dangers faced by rescue services on our coasts and inland waterways.
Eleanor Hooker is one of the volunteers with the Dromineer based Lough Derg RNLI.
Speaking on Tipp Today she acknowledged the risks faced by the crew and the concerns of their families when called out.
