The volunteer crew of the Arranmore RNLI had a busy weekend with three calls for assistance in three days.
The first call was on Saturday evening 17 May at 7. 49pm when a boat, with one person on board, failed to return from the east side of Arranmore and the alarm was raised.
The ALB (all weather lifeboat) “Roger and Joy Freeman” was launched as well as the ILB ( Inshore Lifeboat) and proceeded to the search area along with rescue helicopter 118, the survey boat “Galtee” and several small local boats.
The casualty, whose boat had suffered engine failure, was located at the entrance to a cave.
The inshore lifeboat recovered the casualty who was then transferred to the all weather lifeboat and brought ashore safely.
The research boat “Galtee”then established a tow and brought the boat ashore.
On Sunday last, May 18th at 7.19pm the lifeboat was again asked to launch to assist in a medical evacuation from the island.
Arranmore volunteer ambulance first responders brought the casualty to the lifeboat and was then transported to a waiting ambulance in Burtonport for transfer to Letterkenny University Hospital.
The third call for the lifeboat crew was on Monday 19th at 6.50pm when a member of the public noticed that a kayaker had not returned to his car on the mainland and Malin Head Coast Guard requested the lifeboat to launch.
The kayaker was located on Gola Island by the Bunbeg Coast Guard and the lifeboat returned to anchor.
Relief coxswain Tom Davis from Clifden (pictured above) said “Since my arrival on Arranmore RNLI station on Monday 12th we have had five calls for assistance for the lifeboat, we also managed to have two exercises with the crew so it’s been pretty busy.”
Tom continued “I would like to thank all the boats, the helicopter and the survey vessel “Galtee” involved in the search on Saturday.
“I would also like to thank our own crew for their dedication in answering the call whenever the pagers go off, it is a pleasure to work alongside everyone of the Arranmore lifeboat crew.
“We would ask people to be aware of the RNLI safety message if they are going on the water, enjoy the good weather and stay safe’
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