Aran Islands RNLI carries out two medical evacuations within hours

The volunteer crew members were asked to launch their all-weather Severn class lifeboat David Kirkaldy, at 4.50pm by the Irish Coast Guard

An elderly man on the neighbouring Island of Inis Meain had sustained an injury from an earlier fall and required further medical attention.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain John O'Donnell and a full crew onboard headed straight for Inis Meain.

Weather conditions at the time of launching were choppy with a 1.5m sea swell and a west to south westerly force 5-6 wind blowing.

Once the patient was transferred safely aboard and under the supervision of the volunteer crew members, the lifeboat headed straight for Rossaveal harbour and the awaiting ambulance.

The volunteer crew members were then asked to launch their lifeboat at 11.05pm last night by the Irish Coast Guard as a sick man on Inis Mór required further medical attention.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain John O'Donnell and a full crew once again.

Conditions were choppy at sea, with a 2m swell and a west to south westerly force 6-8 wind.

With the patient safely aboard the lifeboat and under the supervision of the volunteer crew members, the lifeboat made her way to Rossaveal harbour and the awaiting ambulance for transfer.

Speaking after the two call outs, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O'Donnell said: ‘Yesterday was a busy one for the volunteer crew members but they are always ready to answer the call and happy to help out. We would like to wish both patients a speedy recovery.'

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Lena O’Connell, Aran Islands RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0879337882 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

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