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Arranmore RNLI assists fisherman after boat runs aground

Lifeboats News Release

Arranmore RNLI has assisted a fisherman who got into difficulty off Gola Island yesterday (Sunday 18 March) when his small boat ran aground on rocks.

RNLI/Nuala McAloon

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The all-weather lifeboat was called out at 11am and proceeded to Gola Island to assist the casualty.
On arrival at the scene the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo and the Bunbeg Coast Guard boat had lifted the fisherman from the boat.

He was subsequently transferred to the lifeboat where he was treated for mild hypothermia.
The lifeboat stayed at the scene until the tide turned before the volunteer crew then secured a tow rope to the boat and transferred both the fisherman, who was fully recovered and the boat to Bunbeg Harbour assisted by the helicopter and the Coast Guard.

Speaking following the call out, Arranmore RNLI Coxswain Jimmy Early said: 'Although it was quite windy, the sea was calm but the wind chill factor was approximately 1-2 degrees centigrade which accounted for the hypothermia.
Once we treated the fisherman he made a full recovery and was thankful to all the rescue services for their help.'

Ends

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About the author

Nora Flanagan
Lifeboat Press Officer, Arranmore Lifeboat Station

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