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Clifden RNLI carry out medical evacuation from Inishbofin

Lifeboats News Release

Clifden's volunteer crew launched both lifeboats last night (Friday 23rd May) to assist a casualty who required transfer to hospital.

RNLI/Nigel Millard

Clifden RNLI_Ash Sweeney
The pagers sounded at 9pm and the lifeboats were away shortly afterwards. Clifden's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was helmed by Owen Hayes, with crew members Chris Nee, Sean Pryce and Brian Ward.

Dan Whelan was Coxswain in command of the Shannon class all weather lifeboat, with crew members James Mullen, Joe Acton, Tom Guy and Shane Conneely on board.

Once at the scene on Inishbofin the lifeboat crew received the patient from the island nurse and carried out a full casualty care assessment. They prepared the patient for transfer and brought him on board St Christopher. Back at Cleggan pier by 10pm, the patient was handed over to awaiting paramedics for onward transport to hospital.

Speaking about the shout, Clifden RNLI Coxswain Dan Whelan said; 'I'm glad we were able to help the casualty today and all in Clifden station wish him a speedy recovery.

'Our volunteer crew do regular exercises to prepare for scenarios like this and it's great to see the training result in a successful operation.

'My thanks to the crew and the local nurse on the island for such excellent team working.

'In Clifden RNLI we are ready to respond 24/7, if you see someone in difficulty in the water dial 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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