Skerries RNLI carries out medical evacuation of crewman from survey vessel

Shortly after 8pm Skerries RNLI were tasked by Dublin Coast Guard following a call from the skipper of the vessel requesting medical assistance for a crew member who had been feeling unwell for a number of hours and was showing no signs of improvement.

The lifeboat was launched and proceeded directly to the co-ordinates provided. As they approached the survey vessel, a boarding ladder was lowered on the starboard side. The lifeboat was carefully manoeuvred into position, and the casualty was helped on board. The lifeboat crew carried out an initial assessment of the casualty and tried to keep them as comfortable as possible on the way back to the station.

An ambulance was waiting at the station when the boat returned, the casualty was passed over into the care of the paramedics from the National Ambulance Service and taken to hospital for further assessment.

The lifeboat and station were deep cleaned and made ready for the next call out.

At the time there was a force five to six south to south west wind blowing and there was a moderate sea swell.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘It wasn’t a particularly pleasant evening to be out on a lifeboat, but our volunteers are always ready to go when they get the call. It was great to have the ambulance waiting on arrival and we wish the gentleman a speedy recovery.”

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 988 4965 or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Ireland Media Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Ireland Media Manager on 087 1254 124 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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