Achill Island RNLI carries out medical evacuation off Clare Island

Achill Island RNLI carried out a medical evacuation last night off Clare Island.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch the station’s all-weather lifeboat just before 9pm following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to medivac a casualty who had sustained an arm injury.

The lifeboat launched shortly after under Coxswain Patrick McNamara and with six crew members onboard.

There was poor visibility at the time with the darkness of night and rain. The wind was blowing south-westerly and there were calm to moderate seas.

Once on scene, the crew assisted the casualty onto the lifeboat where they were then safely transferred to Roonagh.

Speaking following the call-out, Michael Cattigan, Achill Island RNLI mechanic who was on the lifeboat said it was the ‘first call out of the year for the station’ and they were ‘delighted to be able to help’. 

The RNLI wished the patient a speedy recovery.

Mr Cattigan shared a message to the community saying as Easter weekend and longer evenings approaches to remember to ‘respect the water’.

“We also want to remind anyone planning a trip or activity at sea, to enjoy themselves but to respect the water. Always wear a life jacket or suitable flotation device and always carry a means of calling for help. 

“If going out on a boat, check your engine in advance and make sure you have enough fuel for your trip. Always check the weather and tide times before venturing out and make sure someone on the shore knows where you are going and when you are due back,” he concluded.

Should you get into difficulty in the water or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.