Three Irish on missing jet
Three Irish citizens are believed to have been onboard the Air France airliner which disappeared near Brazil, the Government said tonight.
Two are from the Republic and one is from the North.
Foreign Affairs Minister Micháell Martin said his officials have notified the families of the Irish passengers who were among 228 people on board when the plane went missing over the Atlantic this morning.
“Officials from my department have regrettably confirmed that three Irish citizens are on the passenger manifest for the flight from Rio to Paris,” he said.
“We have contacted the families of those involved and are offering full consular assistance.”
Mr Martin added: “It is clear from the passenger list that there are many people across Europe and in Brazil who face an anxious wait for news and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
The three Irish passengers are understood to be from Dublin, Tipperary and Belfast.
Irish embassies in both France and Brazil are keeping in close contact with the investigators.
All 228 people on board the airliner, including five Britons, a baby and seven children, are feared dead.
Air France said its Airbus A330 aircraft flying from Rio de Janeiro to Paris had run into stormy weather with strong turbulence around four hours into the flight.
About 15 minutes after the turbulence message, an automatic message was received from the plane – AF447 – indicating a failure in the electrical circuit.
Brazilian Air Force planes are searching for the missing aircraft, which Air France said could have been struck by lightning.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said his government was deeply concerned and wanted to express its solidarity with families who are anxiously waiting for news of loved ones.
“Our primary concern is for the families during this difficult time.
“The Government is offering support to the families as they wait news of their loved ones.”
