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Baltimore RNLI provides second medical evacuation from an island within a week

Lifeboats News Release

Baltimore RNLI were called out to provide a medical evacuation yesterday evening (Tuesday 25 April) from Cape Clear Island off the coast of West Cork.

RNLI/Micheal Cottrell

Baltimore all-weather lifeboat

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 5.29pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide a medical evacuation for a man on the island. The crew were already gathered at the lifeboat house in Baltimore at the time the request came in as they were about to go out on exercise.

The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat crew arrived at North Harbour on Cape Clear Island at 5.49pm and after the casualty was assessed by the Casualty Care lifeboat crew member, he was transferred onboard the lifeboat. The lifeboat departed Cape Clear Island at 5.55pm and returned to the station in Baltimore arriving at 6.25pm. The casualty was then handed over to the care of HSE Ambulance crew.

There were seven volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Coxswain Pat Collins, Mechanic Jerry Smith and crew members Eoin Ryan, Paul Synott, Emma Lupton, Emma Geary and Kieran Collins. Conditions during the call out were good with a south easterly force 4-5 wind and a slight sea swell.

Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘This is the second medevac carried out from an island within the past week. Baltimore RNLI provides a vital service to those living, working or holidaying on an island who are in need of medical assistance. If you find yourself in a emergency whilst on an island call 999 or 112.’

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0872906607 or email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

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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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.

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