Early morning call out for Arranmore RNLI to assist in rescue of four fishermen

The lifeboat arrived on scene just before 7am and the crew assessed the situation. The boat, a 12m crabber with four crew onboard had got into difficulty as they were sheltering the southwest winds and went aground on the island. With winds and gusts of 50-60 miles per hour blowing on shore and swells of 4-5m, Coxswain Seán O’Donnell assessed the scene in conjunction with the Irish Coast Guard Rescue 118 helicopter crew from Sligo, which was also tasked. Following the assessment, Rescue 118 then airlifted the four crew members and proceeded to Carrickfinn airport where they were landed safely.
The lifeboat returned to anchor after refuelling in Burtonport at 9.30am.

Speaking following the call out Arranmore RNLI Coxswain, Seán O’Donnell said: 'I’m really pleased that all the crew were brought to safety and would like to commend the helicopter crew for their professionalism in the execution of the rescue of the four crew members, it is a privilege to work alongside the Coast Guard crews from Bunbeg, Malin Head and of course Rescue 118.

‘I would also like to thank our own crew onboard the lifeboat for their dedication in answering the call so early on a windy morning.’

Lifeboat crew onboard were, Coxswain Seán , mechanic, Philip Mc Cauley, Reamon O’Donnell, Sharon O’Donnell,Brian Proctor, Finbar Gallagher, Jamie Neeson and Aisling Cox.

Ends

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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