Sligo Bay RNLI involved in rescue of injured fisherman

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at 11.48am on Sunday (5 September) following a report that a person onboard a charter fishing vessel had sustained an injury off Inishmurray Island, 15 kilometres from the lifeboat station.

The casualty was part of a group enjoying a fishing trip when the accident occurred. The skipper acted promptly dialling 999 for help and both Sligo Bay RNLI’s lifeboat and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118 from Sligo were requested to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were described as light winds, good visibility and flat seas.

On arrival, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation. The crew onboard Rescue 118 who were already on scene and administrating casualty care, requested one of the lifeboat crew to go aboard the vessel to assist the winch operator with the evacuation of the casualty and to manage the highline from the helicopter. The casualty was then safely transferred by helicopter to Sligo University Hospital for treatment.

Speaking following the call out, Sligo Bay RNLI crew member Owen McLoughlin said: ‘When we arrived on scene, Rescue 118’s crew had administered first aid to the casualty and were preparing the person to be winched onto the helicopter. In what were good weather and sea conditions, I was transferred onto the fishing vessel to assist with the safe and successful evacuation. We would like to wish the casualty a speedy recovery.

‘Our volunteers regularly train with our colleagues in the Irish Coast Guard for all types of scenarios at sea and this call out was a good example of how beneficial that training and inter-agency co-operation is.’

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.