Donate now

Aran Islands RNLI carries out medical evacuation from Inis Mór

Lifeboats News Release

Aran Islands RNLI responded to a request from the Irish Coast Guard to carry out a medical evacuation from Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands, on Wednesday last.

Aran Islands RNLI

RNLI/Aran Islands

Aran Islands RNLI

The volunteer crew's pagers were activated at 11.43am on Wednesday (12 April).

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain John O'Donnell and a full crew, with the two patients being transferred safely aboard the boat before they then headed straight for Rossaveal harbour and the waiting ambulance.

Conditions at the time of launching were challenging with a status orange weather warning in effect, a 3m swell and a storm force 10 north west wind blowing.

Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O'Donnell said: 'This was a rough crossing but the volunteer crew didn't hesitate to get the two patients safely to Rossaveal. We wish them both a speedy recovery.

'When there is a weather warning, please heed all weather and safety advice. Stay back from the coast and if you do see someone in difficulty,please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'

Ends

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, Twitter 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.

Categories