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Two launches in 24 hours for Clifden RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked today at 5.30pm to carry out a medical evacuation from Inishbofin.

RNLI/Mella Walsh

Under the command of Coxswain James Mullen, Clifden's all weather lifeboat St Christopher was launched with Joe Acton, Kenny Flaherty, Shane Conneely and Chris Nee as crew. The crew carried out casualty care on the patient who was injured from a fall and received a handover from fellow RNLI volunteer Ash Sweeney who is providing relief nursing on the island. Once the patient was secure and comfortable he was transported back to Cleggan pier and into an awaiting ambulance for further treatment by National Ambulance Service paramedics.

The crew were also called out yesterday afternoon (Sunday 29 September) to investigate a local sailing boat that had broken free from her moorings in Clifden Bay.

Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Tony Casey said, "As the seasons and sea conditions are changing and we expect more wet and windy weather now is a good time to remind all mariners to check their moorings and ensure their vessels are in good condition. Mechanical failure is the single biggest cause of rescue call outs to sailing and motor cruisers, accounting for nearly 20% of RNLI lifeboat launches. Always wear an appropriate lifejacket. Always carry a means of calling and signalling for help. Ensure there is an emergency action plan in place and everybody has an onboard briefing (in particular on the location and use of the safety equipment, including the spare kill cord for powerboats), lastly please never delay in calling for assistance, in Clifden RNLI we are ready to respond 24/7."

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.

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