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Arranmore RNLI rescues two fishermen

Lifeboats News Release

Arranmore RNLI was called out to assist a 19ft boat with two people onboard at 11.45 today, (6 November).

RNLI/Arranmore

The small boat, was approximately 400 metres from Arranmore Lifeboat Station when it developed engine failure.

On arrival at the stricken boat the lifeboat crew established a tow rope and towed the boat safely to anchor off Arranmore. Lifeboat Coxswain, Jimmy Early said: 'This was probably one of the shortest calls we’ve had for several years, we were called out at 11.45am and we were back at anchor at 12.18pm. Whether it’s a long or short call out we are always ready to answer the call and we were delighted to help bring the boat and it’s crew to safety.'

In a separate incident on Friday (3 November) the lifeboat crew were attending a presentation in the Waterfront Hotel in Dungloe, Co. Donegal when they were alerted by a local man to a disturbance in the sea off Arranmore.

The man reported a white shape and a flock of sea birds in the sea and the lifeboat crew were asked to investigate. On arrival, the crew discovered a dead whale which subsequently washed up at Béal a’ Chraois, a sheltered cove on the east of the island, where it remains today, 6 November.

The Waterfront Hotel had hosted a fundraising dinner dance in September in support of the Arranmore RNLI Lifeboat, raising an incredible €25,250 and were in the process of presenting the crew with the cheque when they were interrupted by the call out.

Arranmore RNLI Coxswain Jimmy Early said: 'We would like to thank the Waterfront Hotel for their incredible generosity and congratulate them on their upgrade to four star status. This event goes to prove that we, the lifeboat crew are on call 24/7 and no matter what the occasion we are here to answer the call, that is our priority.'

Ends

RNLI Media Contact

For more information contact Nora Flanagan, Arranmore RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 0878047032.

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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