Sligo Bay RNLI launched to the aid of a fisherman who sustained an injury onboard a boat off Inishmurray at the weekend.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat shortly before noon on Sunday (5 September) following a report that a person onboard a charter fishing vessel had sustained an injury off the island some 15km from the lifeboat station.
The casualty was part of a group enjoying a fishing trip when the accident occurred. The skipper acted promptly dialling 999 for help and both Sligo Bay RNLI’s lifeboat and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo were requested to the scene.
Weather conditions at the time were described as having light winds, good visibility and flat seas.
On arrival, the lifeboat crew found the coastguard already on scene and administrating casualty care.
One of the lifeboat crew, Owen McLoughlin, went aboard the fishing vessel to assist the winch operator with the evacuation of the casualty and to manage the highline from the helicopter.
The casualty was then safely transferred by helicopter to Sligo University Hospital for treatment.
Speaking following the callout, Sligo Bay RNLI crew member Owen McLoughlin said: “We would like to wish the casualty a speedy recovery.
“Our volunteers regularly train with our colleagues in the Irish Coast Guard for all types of scenarios at sea and this call out was a good example of how beneficial that training and inter-agency cooperation is.”
