Arranmore RNLI respond to four calls for assistance in two days

The volunteer crew of Arranmore RNLI are experiencing a busy time with four calls for assistance in two days.

They were first requested to launch by Malin Head Coastguard yesterday, November 11 at 1.40pm, to a crew member who had fallen overboard a fishing vessel 50 miles off Arranmore.

On route to the scene the lifeboat was stood down and on returning to the station at 4pm were requested to assist in a medical evacuation from the island.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, November 12, crew were requested by Malin Head Coastguard at 1.20am, again to assist with a medical evacuation from the island.

Both casualties were transferred to a waiting ambulance in Burtonport and then to Letterkenny University Hospital for assessment.

The fourth call for the lifeboat came at 1.20pm today, Wednesday, November 12, to assist a fishing boat in difficulty with engine failure, between Arranmore and Owey island.

Arriving on scene the lifeboat crew assessed the need for assistance and decided that a tow rope be established to tow the boat to the safety of Burtonport where they arrived at 3.30pm. The lifeboat then refuelled and returned to anchor at 4pm.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Jerry Early.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Jerry Early said: “As an emergency service this is reason we are here, it doesn’t matter what time day or night we get the call for assistance, the crew are always ready to respond.

“The RNLI provided Arranmore and the wider coastal area with this vital service 142 years ago and I am proud to say there was always a crew willing to drop everything and answer the call for those in trouble.”

“I would like to wish those patients we helped, a speedy and full recovery and thank the crew for their dedication.”