Aran Islands RNLI carries out medical evacuation off Inis Meain in Storm Lorenzo

The volunteer crew were asked to launch their all-weather Severn class lifeboat at 9.51am today (Thursday 3 October) at the request of the Irish Coast Guard.

A lady on 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 and headed straight for Inis Meain.

Weather conditions at the time of launching were described as having rough seas with a 3.5m swell rising, and a south easterly force 8 wind blowing.

Once the patient was transferred safely aboard under the supervision of the volunteer crew members, the lifeboat headed straight for Rossaveal harbour where the lady was handed into the care of the awaiting ambulance crew.

Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O’Donnell said: ‘The conditions at sea this morning were really challenging but despite Storm Lorenzo, our willing and able volunteer crew members selflessly didn’t hesitate to answer the call and ensure the patient was looked after until she was safely transferred to the ambulance in Rossaveal. We would like to wish the patient a speedy recovery.

‘As Storm Lorenzo continues, we would remind everybody to take note of the weather forecast and Stay Back – Stay Dry – Stay High.

‘If you see someone in difficulty or are concerned about somebody’s whereabouts on or near the water use VHF channel 16 or dial 112, and ask for the Coast Guard.’

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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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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