Donate now

Aran Islands RNLI volunteer crew respond to two medical evacuations in a day

Lifeboats News Release

The Volunteer lifeboat crew of the Aran Islands RNLI was requested to launch their All-weather Severn Lifeboat at 1.58am this morning, (Wednesday June 14) to attend to a woman with an injured ankle, in need of further medical attention on Inis Mór.

Aran Islands Lifeboat carrying out medivacs off islands

RNLI/Aran Islands

Aran Islands Lifeboat carrying out medivacs off islands

The patient was brought to the Lifeboat by the Fire Service and was transferred safely aboard the Lifeboat under the supervision of the volunteer crew. The Lifeboat was then launched under Coxswain Aonghus Ó HIarnáin and headed straight for Rossaveal harbour and the awaiting Ambulance. Conditions at the time of launching were good with calm seas and no wind.

Speaking after the call Coxswain Aonghus Ó HIarnáin said 'it was a quick response from the crew. We got the patient on their way to receive the medical attention needed, as it was quite a painful injury. We wish them a speedy recovery.'

‘As the good weather conditions continue, we advise the public to adhere to all safety advice regarding the sea, swimming or boating. Always respect the Water.’

Later that same morning, at 9.57am, the lifeboat was again requested to launch to attend to a person on Inis Meáin who was in need of medical attention.

The Lifeboat launched under Coxswain Aonghus Ó HIarnáin with a full crew and headed straight for Inis Meáin, Weather conditions at the time were challenging, with calm seas but a dense fog.

With the Lifeboat safely alongside the pier in Inis Meáin, the patient was transferred aboard the Lifeboat under the supervision of the volunteer crew. They then headed straight for Rossaveal harbour and the awaiting Ambulance.

Speaking after the call outs, Aran Islands RNLI Volunteer Press Officer Lena O'Connell said: 'It was a busy day for the Volunteer crew. Conditions were tricky for the second launch, with the fog quite dense. The lifeboat crew got the patient to the mainland safely and we wish them a speedy recovery.'

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For information please contact Lena O’Connell Aran Island Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 087 933 7882 email: or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Media Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 email: [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Media Officer Tel: 087 648 3547 email: [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.

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