Clifden RNLI Launch Twice on Busy Weekend
The volunteers of Clifden lifeboat launched twice yesterday (Saturday July 6th) on what was a busy day for the crew
At approximately 1.28pm Clifden’s All Weather Lifeboat Fisherman’s Friend was tasked to assist with a medical evacuation from Inishbofin Island. The Lifeboat set off under command of Coxswain David Barry with Mechanic Andrew Bell, Navigator Alan Pryce and crew Chris Nee and Alvin Bell. The Coastguard Helicopter R118 airlifted the casualty to Castlebar hospital and the lifeboat wasn’t eventually required for the medivac but was available if required as ever.
Not long after one launch came another. This time, the Coast Guard requested the call out to reports of two persons potentially cut off by the tide on Arduillean island in Mannin Bay, approximately four nautical miles south of Clifden.
Clifden Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain tasked the station’s Atlantic 85 to respond. The quick response from the Atlantic 85 had the crew on scene within 10 minutes, where they quickly established that this had been a false alarm with good intent. The persons on the island were safe and well and had a boat to return ashore after their trip. Assisting at the station for both launches were Neil Gallery, Kenny Flaherty, Ian Shanahan and James Mullen.
Speaking after the second launch, volunteer Coxswain and Helm Alan Pryce said ‘The dedication and selflessness of the crew is really evident during the busy summer period where the crew literally drop everything to respond to the call, to launch the lifeboats and to assist as best they can.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Catherine Pryce on 0864006666 or email: [email protected]. Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Ireland Media Manager on 087 1254 124 email: [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Ireland Media Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected]
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
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