Arranmore RNLI launches for lone fisherman in swamped punt
Arrnamore RNLI all-weather lifeboat was launched on Saturday evening at 6pm (9 April) when a lone fisherman who was out tending pots in a punt got into difficulty when his punt became swamped near a small group of islands near Arranmore and Gweedore.
Arranmore RNLI lifeboat mechanic Philip McAuley said, ‘ Conditions on scene were terrible and the small punt was overwhelmed by huge seas which saw swells of up to 20 feet breaking over the fisherman. We took the lifeboat as close as we could but it was extremely dangerous.’
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter from Sligo lowered their winchman over the tiny boat and attempted to lift the man from his punt where he has been fishing for crabs and lobster but he had became tangled in his fishing ropes. After carefully cutting him free the wichman brought him to safety under the watch of the lifeboat crew who stood by to offer assistance if needed.
Philip concluded, ‘ This was a great rescue by our colleagues on Rescue 118 in terrible weather. The area was hard to access and the tangle of ropes made the rescue of the fisherman very tricky. We work closely with the Coast Guard on many rescues and this one was very challenging callout for everyone concerned. We would like to congratulate Rescue 118 on a very fine job.’
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