Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat volunteers responded to four separate taskings over a 36-hour period at the start of this week, including two medical evacuations, a Mayday call and an overdue vessel.
The first call out came in at 9.40am on Sunday, July 12 when Valentia MRSC tasked the Aran Islands Lifeboat to a medical evacuation from Inis Oírr. The lifeboat launched from Cill Rónain Harbour and made way to Inis Oírr, where the crew were met by the local doctor for a handover. The patient was safely transferred to Ros an Mhíl to a waiting ambulance crew. The lifeboat returned to Inis Mór at 11.45am.
The second tasking came through at 1.38pm on Sunday, when the lifeboat was tasked alongside Rescue 115 and Costelloe Bay Coastguard to a Mayday issued by a small vessel that had lost power and was drifting towards a rocky shore. The lifeboat launched from Inis Mór and made way to the distressed vessel; however, the crew were stood down while en route as a passing boat had managed to assist the distressed vessel.
The third call of the day came through at 10.44pm when Valentia MRSC tasked the lifeboat for a possible missing vessel between Inis Mór and Ros an Mhíl. The Aran Islands Lifeboat was tasked alongside Rescue 115 and Aran Fire & Rescue. While en route to the last known position of the missing vessel, a call came through from a research vessel in the area to confirm the overdue boat had been contacted and the crew were in good spirits. The lifeboat made its way to the vessel and escorted it to its destination before returning to base.
The fourth tasking came through on Monday at 6.44pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard that a cyclist was injured and required a medical evacuation from Inis Mór. Arriving on scene, the crew received a handover from the island doctor and with the help of Aran Fire & Rescue, the patient was safely transferred on board the lifeboat before being transported to Ros an Mhíl and into the care of a waiting ambulance crew.
‘It’s been a busy week and as always, I would like to thank our volunteers who are always willing and ready to respond," said Aonghus O hIarnáin, Aran Islands RNLI coxswain. "This marks six call-outs in six days that our volunteers have responded to without fail.
"As we enjoy some good weather and see an increase of tourists visiting the Aran Islands, we would like to remind anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to enjoy themselves but to go prepared. Check weather and tides before venturing out, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and carry a means of communication.
"Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
