
Galway RNLI rescues casualty who falls from pier in Galway City
Galway RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard shortly after 4am this morning (Saturday 10 June) to rescue a casualty who had fallen from Nimmo’s Pier in Galway City.
The inshore lifeboat was helmed by Brian Niland with crew members Dave Badger, Lisa McDonagh and James Rattigan onboard. They were supported by shore crew Mike Cummins, Shane Austin, Aaron O’Reilly, Frank Leonard and Ian Claxton.
The lifeboat and crew reached the casualty, who landed on a sand bank and had suspected upper limb injuries, within minutes. Two of the crew who are trained in first aid, got out of the lifeboat onto the sand bank and using a stretcher were able to safely bring the casualty onboard the lifeboat. The lifeboat and crew arrived back to the lifeboat station just before 5am where an ambulance was waiting to bring the casualty to hospital.
Speaking after returning to the station, Galway RNLI Helm Brian Niland said: 'Weather conditions were good this morning and even though it was dark, there was good visibility and the sea was calm. With the help of our shore crew, we were able to launch the lifeboat and get to the scene within minutes. Low tide was at 4.30am and this worked in our favour as it meant that the casualty was not in any imminent danger of being swept out to sea. However, time is of the essence in situations like this. If you see someone in difficulty please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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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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