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Aran Islands RNLI rescues six kayakers in difficulty a half a mile off Kilronan

Lifeboats News Release

Aran Islands RNLI launched last night (Tuesday 16 May) to reports of kayakers in difficulty, a half a mile off Kilronan Pier.

RNLI/Aran Islands

Aran Islands RNLI

A member of the public raised the alarm after seeing them in trouble and Shannon Coast Guard requested the lifeboat crew to launch at 7.55pm.

The group of six kayakers with two kayaks, were quickly located on nearby rocks and due to their location, the lifeboat crew had to launch a Y-boat, a small inflatable rescue craft kept onboard the all-weather Severn class lifeboat. Using the small rescue craft, the lifeboat crew managed to get in close to the rocks and transfer all six casualties onboard the all-weather lifeboat. Conditions on the evening were calm and the weather was dry.

On returning to Kilronan pier, the group were medically assessed by a waiting doctor. Doolin Coast Guard and Rescue 115 were also in attendance at the scene.

Commenting on the successful call out, RNLI Coxswain Trevor Devereux said: ‘This was a good outcome, as it could have been a very different story. When kayaking, make sure to bring the correct equipment and that you tell someone where you are going. Always wear a lifejacket and make sure you have a means of calling for help. In this case a member of the public raised the alarm when they saw something wrong and thankfully due to their vigilance, the group were rescued with no serious injuries.’

Ends

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.

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