Donate now
Aran Islands RNLI involved in Multi-agency rescue on Inis Mór
The Valentia MRSC tasked the Aran Islands Lifeboat at 1:38pm this afternoon (25 September) following reports that a person walking along the coastline on Inis Mór had been knocked down by a wave and swept onto a ledge near the sea.
The lifeboat was tasked alongside Rescue 118 and Aran Fire & Rescue.
The lifeboat launched from Cill Rónain harbour and made its way around the island towards the wormhole which is located on the South of Inis Mór. Weather conditions at the time were challenging with Force 7 south westerly winds and rough seas.
Aran Fire & Rescue had located and secured the casualty with a rope as large waves continued to break around the ledge.
Rescue 118 arrived on scene and winched the casualty from the wormhole. The Aran Islands lifeboat remained on standby until the casualty and the winchman were winched onto the helicopter safely.
The casualty was transported to Galway University Hospital for further treatment and both the lifeboat and Aran Fire & Rescue were stood down.
Speaking to Aran Islands Coxswain, Aonghus Ó hIarnáin, he said: ‘This was a challenging rescue in extremely difficult conditions. Great credit is due to Rescue 118 and Aran Fire & Rescue for their skill in carrying out the recovery safely and successfully.’
‘While walking along the coastline always keep a safe distance from cliff edges and slippery or unstable paths. Keep an eye on the sea and if you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Treasa NiBhraonain, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]
Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]
Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.