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Clifden RNLI tasked to a medical evacuation from Inishturk North, Co Mayo

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer crew were called out yesterday, Wednesday 07 June to assist with a medical evacuation from the county Mayo island.

Clifden RNLI

At 9pm yesterday evening the crew were returning from a training exercise when the request came from Malin Head Coast Guard to make immediately for Inishturk North. A sick child required urgent evacuation from the island.

Clifden’s Shannon class all weather lifeboat, St Christopher was launched under Coxswain James Mullen, with Joe Acton, Dan Whelan, Kenneth Flaherty and Shane Conneely as crew, John B Mannion assisted the launch from the shore. The Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo based helicopter Rescue 118 was also dispatched.

The lifeboat crew made it to the island in 40 minutes, just as Rescue 118 arrived on the scene. Our crew stood by as the young casualty was air-lifted to Mayo University Hospital. They then returned to base, a full five hours after leaving on exercise. Conditions were flat calm and a beautiful night at sea.

Speaking about the shout Coxswain James Mullen said, “We are sending our best wishes to the young casualty and sincerely hope they have a speedy recovery. I would like to thank our volunteer crew for continuing to go the extra mile and putting their own lives on hold every time the pager goes. This has been a really busy period for Clifden RNLI between exercises, assessments and call-outs and I appreciate the commitment of every one of our volunteers.”

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.