Aran Islands RNLI save life at sea
The Aran Islands RNLI were requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard this afternoon at 4:46pm (3 May) after reports that a person had separated from friends, while exploring Straw Island and had failed to return.
The Aran Islands lifeboat launched from Kilronan Harbour and quickly arrived on scene, alongside Rescue 115, where a search operation around Straw Island began.
At 5:27pm, a crew member who was searching along the shoreline, spotted the casualty in the water approximately 700 metres from Straw Island. The lifeboat quickly made way to the casualty and were able to pull them from the water and onto the lifeboat.
Once onboard the crew assessed the casualty, and the decision was made to winch them from the lifeboat onto Rescue 115. The casualty was then airlifted to hospital for further examination.
Speaking following the call out, Aran Islands Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin said: ‘We would like to extend our very best wishes to the casualty and hope for a full and speedy recovery. We also commend the casualty's' friends who didn’t hesitate to call the Irish Coast Guard and raise the alarm.’
‘This marks our third call out in three days and we would like to recognise the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, who consistently respond when paged. We would also like to extend our thanks to Rescue 115 & Aran Fire and Rescue for their reliability, dedication, and teamwork today and every day.’
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
ENDS
RNLI media contacts:
For information, please contact Treasa Ní Bhraonáin Aran Islands Lifeboat Press officer Tel: 085 1500 564 email: [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager Tel: 087 648 3547 email: [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead Tel: 087 1254 124 email: [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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