Aran Islands RNLI responds to two Bank Holiday Monday call outs
Aran Islands RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew responded to two call out requests by the Irish Coast Guard yesterday, (Monday, 3 August)
The first call came at 2.40pm when a large 60m vessel ran into difficulty four nautical miles west off Skerdmore Island in County Galway.
The all-weather Severn class lifeboat David Kirkaldy #17-06 launched under Coxswain John O'Donnell and a full crew.
Weather conditions at the time of launching were good with calm seas and a light breeze.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew maintained close contact with the LÉ Niamh which had established a tow line with the vessel and proceeded to tow the vessel towards Kilronan Harbour.
The second call came as the lifeboat volunteer crew were making their way back to the pontoon at Kilronan Harbour. A swimmer was in difficulty off Dunbeg in County Clare.
The crew were enroute to the swimmer when word came through that the two swimmers had made it safely ashore. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 115 from Shannon transferred them to University Hospital Limerick for medical attention.
Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O'Donnell said: 'There was a good outcome for both call outs thankfully - a large vessel drifting could lead to dangerous situation. The LÉ Niamh brought the vessel under control and to safety. Thankfully in Dunbeg the two swimmers were able to make their way to shore.
'Our volunteer crew members train regularly to react quickly to all situations. Always follow all safety advice, never swim alone and always tell someone where you are going and if you see someone else in trouble call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
Ends
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.