The volunteer lifeboat crew of Clifden RNLI were tasked at 5.30pm on Monday (30 September) to carry out a medical evacuation from Inishbofin.
Under the command of coxswain James Mullen, Clifden’s all-weather lifeboat St Christopher was launched with Joe Acton, Kenny Flaherty, Shane Conneely and Chris Nee as crew.
The crew carried out casualty care on the patient, who was injured from a fall, and received a handover from fellow RNLI volunteer Ash Sweeney who is providing relief nursing on the island.
Once the patient was secure and comfortable on the lifeboat, he was transported back to Cleggan Pier and into an waiting ambulance for further treatment by paramedics.
The crew were also called out on Sunday afternoon (29 September) to investigate a local sailing boat that had broken free from moorings in Clifden Bay.
Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager Tony Casey said: “As the seasons and sea conditions are changing and we expect more wet and windy weather, now is a good time to remind all mariners to check their moorings and ensure their vessels are in good condition.
“Mechanical failure is the single biggest cause of rescue call-outs to sailing and motor cruisers, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of RNLI lifeboat launches.
“Always wear an appropriate lifejacket. Always carry a means of calling and signalling for help. Ensure there is an emergency action plan in place and everybody has an onboard briefing — in particular on the location and use of the safety equipment, including the spare kill cord for powerboats. Lastly please never delay in calling for assistance — in Clifden RNLI we are ready to respond 24/7.”