The Aran Islands RNLI had a very busy day this week, with two medical evacuations in the space of just a few hours, one of them in the very early hours of the morning.
On Wednesday, the lifeboat station was requested to launch at 1.58am to help a woman with an injured ankle on Inis Mór who needed further medical attention.
The patient was brought to the Lifeboat by the Fire Service and was transferred safely aboard the Lifeboat under the supervision of the volunteer crew.
The lifeboat was then launched under Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin and headed straight for Rossaveal harbour and the awaiting Ambulance. Conditions at the time of launching were good with calm seas and no wind.
Speaking after the call Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin said, “it was a quick response from the crew. We got the patient on their way to receive the medical attention needed, as it was quite a painful injury. We wish them a speedy recovery.”
“As the good weather conditions continue, we advise the public to adhere to all safety advice regarding the sea, swimming or boating. Always respect the Water.”
Later that same morning, at 9.57am, the lifeboat was again requested to launch to attend to a person on Inis Meáin who was in need of medical attention.
The Lifeboat again launched under Aonghus Ó hIarnáin with a full crew and headed straight for Inis Meáin. Weather conditions at the time were challenging, with calm seas but a dense fog.
With the Lifeboat safely alongside the pier in Inis Meáin, the patient was transferred aboard the Lifeboat under the supervision of the volunteer crew. They then headed straight for Rossaveal harbour and the awaiting Ambulance.
Speaking after the call outs, Aran Islands RNLI Volunteer Lena O’Connell said that it proved to be a busy day for the lifeboat crew.
“Conditions were tricky for the second launch, with the fog quite dense. The lifeboat crew got the patient to the mainland safely and we wish them a speedy recovery.”
