The Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat was called to a duo of medical evacuations from Inis Mór in very quick succession yesterday, turning back before even reaching the mainland.
The all-weather lifeboat was first called out at 8:25am on Monday morning, after a helicopter was unable to carry out a scheduled medical evacuation due to poor visibility.
The Coast Guard requested that the RNLI transfer the patient to Ros a Mhíl instead, where they could be met by an ambulance.
The patient was brought aboard the lifeboat with the assistance of the Inis Mór fire service, and left for the mainland.
But as soon as they launched, the lifeboat was called back to Inis Mór as there was another person on the island in need of medical attention.
They were also brought aboard the lifeboat, and both patients were brought to Ros a Mhíl Harbour, where an ambulance awaited.
Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O’Donnell said “‘The volunteer crew responded quickly and two patients are safely on their way to further medical attention – we would like to wish them both a speedy recovery.”
“Poor visibility can be very dangerous on the water. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112,and ask for the Coast Guard.”
