Arklow RNLI launch to assist wounded sailor
Arklow RNLI volunteers were alerted by pager at approximately 1.25pm on Sunday afternoon last (15 January).
In the first launch of 2017 RNLB Ger Tigchleaar was at sea within minutes in response to a call for assistance from a 17m sailing vessel which was enroute from Scotland to Arklow.
It was reported that a member of the crew of eight had sustained an injury to the head and his condition had deteriorated.
The lifeboat crew consisting of Coxswain Ned Dillon, Aiden Downey, Craig O’Reilly, Jimmy Myler, Eddie McElheron, David Lee and Geoff Kearnes launched Ger Tigchleaar into moderate seas and proceeded to the scene and located the sailing vessel approximately 12 miles north east of Arklow.
On scene the casualty was transferred to Arklow RNLI's all-weather lifeboat and assessed by the crew where it was decided it would be best to transfer him to hospital immediately. The casualty was airlifted from the lifeboat by an Irish Coast Guard helicopter and flown directly to hospital.
The sailing vessel continued on its passage to Arklow.
Speaking following the call out, Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Community Safety Officer said: 'Thanks to the experience of the people on board, a decision was made to call for help. Making this decision at the earliest possible time is the key to our volunteers making it to the casualty vessel and people on time.'
For anyone who requires water safety advice from the RNLI's Community Safety Team, you can contact [email protected] or call Mark on 086 8260439.
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Photo Detail
Credit: Tommy Dover, Wicklow RNLI
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For more information please contact Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0868260439, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email [email protected]
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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 44 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland and registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736)
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.