Arranmore RNLI assists two stranded individuals and performs medical evacuation

The volunteer crew of the Arranmore RNLI had a busy weekend, responding to three separate incidents over three consecutive days.

A person was stranded in a cave, another on an island, while one was taken to the mainland and onto hospital in a medical evacuation.

The first call came on Saturday evening at 7:49pm, when concerns were raised about a boat with one person on board that had failed to return from the east side of Arranmore. The RNLI launched both their All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB) Roger and Joy Freeman and their Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), joining the search effort alongside Rescue Helicopter 118, the survey vessel Galtee, and several small local boats.

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The missing boat was eventually located at the entrance to a cave, having suffered engine failure. The casualty was recovered by the ILB and transferred to the ALB before being brought safely ashore. The survey vessel Galtee then towed the stricken boat back to shore.

The second incident occurred on Sunday at 7:19pm, when the crew was called upon to assist in a medical evacuation from the island. Arranmore’s volunteer ambulance first responders brought the patient to the lifeboat, which transported them to Burtonport, where an ambulance was waiting to transfer the casualty to Letterkenny University Hospital.

On Monday, at 6:50pm, the crew responded to their third callout after a member of the public reported that a kayaker had not returned to his car on the mainland. Malin Head Coast Guard requested the launch of the lifeboat. The kayaker was later located on Gola Island by the Bunbeg Coast Guard, and the lifeboat returned to anchor.

Relief coxswain Tom Davis, who arrived at the Arranmore RNLI station from Clifden on Monday, May 12, reflected on the intense start to his posting: “Since my arrival, we have had five callouts for the lifeboat and managed to carry out two exercises with the crew — it’s been pretty busy. I would like to thank all those involved in Saturday’s search - the helicopter, the Galtee, and the local boats. Most of all, I want to thank our own crew for their dedication. It’s a pleasure to work alongside everyone at Arranmore RNLI.”

“We would ask people to be aware of the RNLI safety message if they are going on the water. Enjoy the good weather, but please stay safe.”