Aran Islands RNLI rescued a person from the water off Straw Island on Saturday afternoon, 3 May. The lifeboat was tasked at 4:46 pm by the Valentia Coast Guard after reports that a person had become separated from friends and failed to return.
The lifeboat launched from Kilronan Harbour and arrived on scene alongside Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115. A search operation began around Straw Island. At 5:27 pm, a crew member searching the shoreline spotted the casualty approximately 700 metres offshore.
The lifeboat recovered the person from the water and brought them onboard for assessment. A decision was made to transfer the casualty to Rescue 115. The helicopter winched the individual from the lifeboat and airlifted them to the hospital.
Speaking after the call-out, 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.” He added, “We also commend the casualty’s friends who didn’t hesitate to call the Irish Coast Guard and raise the alarm.”
Ó hIarnáin noted it was the station’s third call-out in three days and praised volunteer commitment and inter-agency cooperation. Thanks were also extended to Rescue 115 and Aran Fire and Rescue.
As Afloat reported earlier, the Aran Island crew responded to a RIB in difficulty off Fanore, Co Clare, on Friday evening.
The RNLI advises anyone who sees someone in difficulty at sea or along the coast to use VHF Channel 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
