Aran Islands RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers responded to four separate taskings over a 24-hour period last weekend — including two medical evacuations, a Mayday call and an overdue vessel.
The first call-out came in at 9.40am on Sunday (12 July) when Valentia MRSC tasked the Aran Islands Lifeboat to a medical evacuation from Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay.
The lifeboat launched from Cill Rónain Harbour and made way to Inis Oírr where they were met with the local doctor for a handover. The patient was safely transferred at 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 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 on route as a passing vessel had managed to assist the distressed vessel.
Sunday’s third call 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 say that they had contacted the casualties who were in good spirits. The lifeboat made way to the vessel and escorted it to its destination before returning to base.
The fourth tasking came through on Monday (13 July) 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 onboard the lifeboat where they were then safely transported to Ros an Mhíl and into the care of a waiting ambulance crew.
Speaking following the call-outs, Aonghus Ó hIarnáin, Aran Islands RNLI coxswain said: “It’s been a busy week and as always, I would like to thank our volunteers who are always willing and ready to respond. 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 coastguard.”
