Clifden RNLI goes to the assistance of casualty who had fallen from Clifden Quay
The volunteer crew joined in a multi-agency response to an incident at Clifden Quay today (Tuesday 26 April).
The casualty had fallen a significant distance from the quayside, making impact with a boat 15 to 20ft below and was injured.
Clifden RNLI mechanic Joe Acton and crew member Andy Bell were in the area carrying out vessel maintenance and responded to the incident with the RNLI Sillinger boarding boat. The Sillinger is a light and small boat which is usually used to access the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat but it is very suitable for use in shallow water.
The two crew members manoeuvred the boarding boat into position to allow paramedics to access the casualty and transfer him to the ambulance which was waiting at the quay. The casualty was airlifted by the Air Corps helicopter 112 to University Hospital Galway for further treatment.
Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain said: 'This is a great example of multi-agency cooperation between the RNLI, HSE / National Ambulance Service, Clifden Fire Service, An Garda Siochána the Coast Guard and the Air Corps. This call demonstrated great teamwork and decision-making and we all wish the casualty a speedy recovery.'
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