Aran Islands RNLI was involved in a multi-agency rescue on Inis Mór on Friday afternoon, the 25th of September, after a person walking along the coastline was knocked down by a wave and swept onto a ledge near the sea. The Valentia Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRSC) tasked the lifeboat at 1.38 pm, with the volunteer crew responding alongside Rescue 118 and Aran Fire & Rescue.
The lifeboat launched from Cill Rónain Harbour and proceeded around the island towards the Wormhole on the south side of Inis Mór. Conditions were challenging, with Force 7 southwesterly winds and rough seas.
Into the Atlantic — Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat crew approach the exposed coastline of Inis Mór during the challenging multi-agency rescue operation near the Wormhole. Photo: RNLI
Aran Fire & Rescue located the casualty and secured them with a rope as large waves continued to break around the ledge. Rescue 118 arrived on scene and winched the casualty from the Wormhole. The Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat remained on standby until the casualty and winchman were safely transferred onto the helicopter.
The casualty was taken to Galway University Hospital for further treatment, while the lifeboat and Aran Fire & Rescue were later stood down.
Speaking after the rescue, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin said the operation was carried out in extremely difficult conditions.
“Great credit is due to Rescue 118 and Aran Fire & Rescue for their skill in carrying out the recovery safely and successfully,” he said.
The coxswain also reminded members of the public to take care when walking near exposed coastlines.
“While walking along the coastline, always keep a safe distance from cliff edges and slippery or unstable paths. Keep an eye on the sea and if you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
