Baltimore RNLI provides a medical evacuation from Sherkin Island, west Cork

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 8.09am, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide a medical evacuation from the island for a man who had sustained an injury.

The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat crew arrived at Sherkin Island pier at 8.18am and after an assessment by the Casualty Care lifeboat crew member, the casualty was transferred on to a stretcher and onboard the lifeboat. The lifeboat departed Sherkin Island and returned to the station in Baltimore arriving at 8.47am. The casualty was then handed over to the care of HSE Ambulance crew.

There were seven volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Coxswain Aidan Bushe, Mechanic Jerry Smith and crew members Sean McCarthy, Colin Whooley, Eoin Ryan, Don O’Donovan and Stuart Musgrave. Conditions in the harbour during the call out were choppy with a westerly force 4 wind and reasonable visibility.

Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘If you find yourself in a medical emergency whilst on an island call 999 or 112.’

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RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0872906607 or email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

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