Achill Island RNLI launch to woman requiring medical evacuation from Inishturk
Achill Island RNLI responded to a request to assist a woman requiring medical evacuation from Inishturk this morning, Friday 14 July. The request came from the Irish Coast Guard, who had also requested the assistance of Sligo based helicopter, Rescue 118.
The volunteer crew launched shortly after 7.30am under the command of Sean Curtain, Relief Coxswain, with six additional crew on board. Sea conditions were moderate at the time with a gentle to moderate breeze. There was some cloud but visibility was good. The passage took the all-weather lifeboat, ‘Sam and Ada Moody’ south-west of Clare Island, arriving at Inishturk Island shortly before 8.30am.
On arrival at Inishturk, the lifeboat was met by the casualty’s nephew, who transported four of the crew to the casualty’s house on the other side of the island where Rescue 118 had already landed. The woman was assessed by the crew of Rescue 118 and the lifeboat crew assisted with transferring the woman to the helicopter. They then secured the area for a safe take-off for the aircraft.
The crew returned to the lifeboat and the lifeboat departed Inishturk Island for Achill Island, arriving back at the station at 10.30am.
Speaking after the call out, Michael Cattigan, Achill Island RNLI Mechanic said: “This is another excellent example of inter-agency cooperation. We train regularly with Rescue 118 for various situations both at sea and on land and we were delighted to be able to offer our assistance again on this occasion for the benefit of this woman who needed help. We wish her well for a speedy recovery.’
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