Arranmore RNLI responds to medevac before assisting nine people on boat
Arranmore RNLI volunteer crew has experienced a busy month responding to eight calls for assistance during the month of May, with two calls today, (Thursday 29 May).
The first call out was at 6.45am this morning to assist in the medical evacuation of a patient with medical issues. The patient was treated by the first responders on Arranmore and then transferred to the lifeboat, removed to a waiting ambulance in Burtonport and on to Letterkenny University Hospital for assessment.
The lifeboat was again requested to launch by Malin Head Coast Guard at 1.25pm this afternoon to assist a charter boat with nine people onboard with engine trouble when ropes got caught in the propeller.
On arrival on the northern point of Arranmore, the lifeboat crew transferred eight of the passengers to the all-weather lifeboat for their safety and a crew member boarded the charter boat to assist the skipper cut the ropes which were tangled in the propeller. The lifeboat crew then established a tow rope and towed the boat safely back to Arranmore as it couldn't make any safe onward progress.
Speaking following the two call outs, Arranmore RNLI Coxswain Philip McCauley said: 'It is really satisfying when there is a successful outcome to our calls and as an emergency service we are on call every day of the year.
'With the June bank holiday coming up we would ask everyone to stay safe, and advise people to:
- Check the weather and tides before heading out and if walking the shoreline, be vigilant for incoming tides that can cause strandings
- Be aware of rip currents - strong currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers out to sea
- Swim with others, never alone
- Always swim within your depth and stay within your depth
- When on the water always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid
- Let someone ashore know of your plans and return time.
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RNLI Media Contact
For more information contact Nora Flanagan, Arranmore RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected]
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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