Achill lifeboat involved in medical evacuation of patient from Clare Island

ACHILL Island RNLI was involved in the medical evacuation of a female patient from Clare Island this afternoon (Tuesday) following a request from the Irish Coast Guard.

The volunteer crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 1.15 p.m. under Coxswain Dave Curtis and with six crew members onboard. It followed a request to assist the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo due to foggy weather conditions on the island at the time.

Weather conditions improved during the call-out and the crew were able to secure a zone for the helicopter to successfully land and take the patient onboard the aircraft. The patient was then transferred to Mayo University Hospital and the all-weather lifeboat, the Sam and Ada Moody, and her crew returned to Achill Island at 3 p.m.

Speaking following the call-out, Dave Curtis, Coxswain, said: “This is another example of good inter-agency teamwork between our colleagues in the Irish Coast Guard and our volunteer crew.

“We wish the patient well for a speedy recovery.”