Galway RNLI responds to back-to-back medical evacuations off Aran Islands
First, on Saturday May 24 at 1.40pm, the volunteer crew were requested to launch the all-weather Severn lifeboat, David Kirkaldy, following a request from the Coast Guard to transfer a patient off Inis Mór.
Weather conditions at the time were fair with a force 5 south westerly wind.
The crew received handover from the local doctor and with the assistance of the Aran Fire and Rescue Service, the lifeboat crew transferred the patient onboard. The lifeboat departed Inis Mór and safely transferred the patient to Ros a Mhíl and into the care of an awaiting ambulance crew.
The next call came in during the early hours of Sunday morning at 2.15am, when the crew were requested to launch for a medical evacuation from Inis Mór.
Arriving on scene, the crew received a handover from the island doctor before assisting the patient onboard the lifeboat where they were safely transferred to Ros a Mhíl and into the care of an awaiting ambulance.
Both launches were led by Noel Seoighe, marking his first two successful callouts as Coxswain within a span of just over 12 hours.
Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Noel Seoighe said: 'We would like to wish both casualties a speedy recovery. A big thank you for our volunteers who never hesitate to answer the pagers.
'As we 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 Coast Guard.'
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