Clifden RNLI rescue injured kayaker from uninhabited island near Renvyle
Clifden RNLI rescue injured kayaker from uninhabited island near Renvyle
Lifeboats News Release
The volunteer crew of Clifden RNLI rescued an injured kayaker from Crump Island, near Renvyle in an operation on Saturday (18th April).
The person had been kayaking in the sea near Renvyle when they got into difficulty. They were overturned and unable to resume kayaking so swam to the nearest shoreline, which was a small uninhabited island, and waited for help.
Clifden volunteer lifeboat crew launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat just after 6.30pm on Saturday evening and immediately made their way to the location. It was a bright, clear evening and sea conditions at the time were good. The casualty was located on the island in good spirits, however they had sustained some minor injuries which the lifeboat crew attended to.
Joe Acton was helm on the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, supported by crew members Dara Wallace, Caroline Barry and Brian Ward. Fergal Conneely was Launch Authority. The team successfully transferred the casualty back to shore where colleagues in Cleggan Coast Guard took over.
Speaking about the shout, Clifden RNLI Helm Joe Acton said; 'We are coming into a busy time for water activities and while we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful Connemara coastline, please do so carefully. Anyone going to sea should wear a life-jacket, have a VHF radio or means of calling for help, check the tides and weather. Never swim alone and always call 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard at the first sign of distress, Clifden RNLI are ready to respond 24/7.'
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.
