Valentia RNLI comes to the aid of fisherman following collision

At 1.17am the Valentia Coast Guard requested Valentia RNLI all-weather lifeboat to launch to an injured fisherman on board a 37m fishing vessel. The vessel with nine people on board was involved in a collision with a 229m cargo ship, 37 miles North West of Valentia.

At the location there was a four metre swell with a south west wind force three to four. The lifeboat crew members assessed the situation taking into to consideration the condition of the fisherman and weather. It was decided the best and safest option was to escort the fishing vessel to Dingle Harbour. The crew then assisted the National Ambulance Service in immobilising and transferring the fisherman from the vessel to the ambulance. The fisherman was then taken to University Hospital Kerry for further medical attention. In total our volunteer crew were at sea for seven hours.

Speaking following the call out, Valentia RNLI Coxswain Richard Quigley said: The fishing vessel made the right decision in calling for help to ensure the casualty received the proper medical treatment.

Ends

Notes to Editors

Photo showing Valentia RNLI escorting the fishing vessel to Dingle Harbour

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Michelle Curran, Valentia RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0879513824 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]

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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