RNLI crew carry out medical evacuation from Mayo island

ACHILL Island RNLI were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist with the medical evacuation of a casualty from Clare Island yesterday afternoon (Monday).

The all-weather lifeboat ‘Sam and Ada Moody’ launched at 1.20 p.m. with under the command of Coxwain Dave Curtis and volunteer crew Stephen McGreal, Thomas Ruddy, Orlagh Blake-Dillon and Ivan Swarbrigg. The journey to Clare Island took just 15 minutes in flat, calm sea conditions and glorious sunshine.

On arrival at the port the casualty was assessed by the crew, taken onboard the lifeboat and brought to Roonagh Pier for onward transfer to hospital by the awaiting National Ambulance Service.

The lifeboat and her crew then made their return Achill Island, arriving back at the station at 4 p.m.

Speaking after the call-out, Achill Island RNLI volunteer lifeboat operations manager Ciaran Needham said: “Our volunteer crew are always happy to respond to a call for help from Clare Island, particularly during this busy season as tourists visit the island. We wish today’s casualty a speedy recovery.”