Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat launched to assist with medical evacuation from cruise
The volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew from Donaghadee lifeboat station were paged by HM Coastguard at 11.10pm on Friday 4 August 2023.
After reports from HM Coastguard that there was a female onboard a visiting cruise ship with an emergency medical issue, it was agreed that it was appropriate that Donaghadee All Weather Lifeboat Macquarie launch and attend.
With a crew of seven, including a volunteer seagoing lifeboat medical advisor, Dr Courtney Roberts, and in reasonable sea conditions; the lifeboat liaised with HM Coastguard and the cruise ship in order to establish the best course of action for the person in distress.
It was agreed that the lifeboat should come alongside the cruise ships pilot door on the port side and that the casualty should be transferred by stretcher to the lifeboat along with the cruise ships paramedics. Once onboard the lifeboat the casualty was assessed by the doctoer and she was given oxygen to make her more comfortable although she was also being given intravenous fluids and adrenaline by the ships paramedics.
Subsequently, upon return to Bangor Harbour, the casualty was passed over to the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Coastguard Rescue Team.
Dr Courtney Roberts, Lifeboat Medical Advisor commented ‘ The casualty was certainly very ill and did require immediate emergency medical attention. We were able to administer high flow oxygen and monitor her vital signs while she was been transferred from the ship to the shore and into the care of the ambulance service. Of course we all wish her a speedy recovery’
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.