Busy Bank Holiday weekend for Aran Islands RNLI as crew help two people

The first call came at 3.42am yesterday (Monday 1 August), when the crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard to go the aid of a man on the neighbouring Island of Inis Meáin who was in need of further medical attention.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain John O'Donnell and headed straight for Inis Meáin. With the patient safely transferred aboard the lifeboat by the crew, the lifeboat headed straight for Rossaveal Harbour.

Conditions at the time of launching were good with calm seas and good visibility.

The next call was at 10.39pm last night when a patient on Inis Mór was in need of further medical attention.

With the patient transferred safely aboard the lifeboat at the pontoon at Kilronan Harbour by the crew, the lifeboat launched under Coxswain John O'Donnell and a full crew and headed straight for Rossaveal Harbour.

Conditions at the time of launching were challenging with poor visibility and a Force 5 south westerly wind blowing.

Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O'Donnell said: 'It has been a busy weekend for our volunteers and they didn't hesitate to respond to their pagers. We would like to wish both patients a speedy recovery.'

If heading out on the water or visiting the coast:

• Always check the weather and tide times
• Carry a reliable means of raising the alarm such as a VHF radio or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch as back up
• Tell someone where you are going and what time you are due back
• If going afloat, wear a lifejacket or suitable Personal Flotation Device for your activity
• Never ever swim alone. Only swim in areas that are supervised by Lifeguards or in areas with which you are familiar
• Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard

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.

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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.