Aran Islands RNLI respond to flare sighting near Rossaveal Harbour

The volunteer crew members were asked to launch their all-weather Severn lifeboat David Kirkaldy at 7.45pm (Monday 5 October) by the Irish Coast Guard.

Conditions at the time of launching were choppy, with a 2m sea swell and west to north west wind blowing 22 knots.

A red flare was reported to have been seen near Great Mans' Bay near Rossaveal Harbour.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain John O'Donnell and a full crew and headed straight for the reported sighting location.

The crew were joined in the search by Costello Coast Guard and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 from Shannon.

After an extensive search of the area, by all three rescue services working together, the operation was stood down.

The call out was deemed a false alarm with good intention.

Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Volunteer Press Officer Lena O'Connell said:

'Thankfully the call out was a false alarm with good intent. It is always better to be safe than sorry. The volunteer crew members didn't hesitate to get the lifeboat to the search area as quickly as possible.

'We would remind everyone if you see someone in trouble or see a distress signal, don't hesitate to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'

Ends

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