Aran Islands RNLI responded to a Mayday in the early hours of Sunday morning to rescue the crew of a fishing vessel that had run aground. It was the second call out in two days for the station’s volunteers.
The all-weather crew were requested to launch their lifeboat at 4.51am by the Irish Coast Guard following a Mayday call from the crew of a fishing boat that had ran aground at An Coirnéal Port Eochla on the north side of Inis Mór. The lifeboat launched shortly after with six crew onboard.
In the 20 minutes it took to get to the scene, the fishing vessel had started to take on water and was beginning to list to the left. Arriving, the lifeboat crew observed that all five fishermen had abandoned their 21m trawler and were in a life raft alongside the vessel. All were safe and well and in good spirits.
Weather on scene at the time was blowing a force 5 north west wind which was easing and there was a moderate sea of 2m and good visibility.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 115 from Shannon was also tasked along with Coast Guard and Fire Service units to the shore side.
Having assessed the situation, a decision was made by Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Declan Branigan to launch the lifeboat’s smaller daughter inflatable lifeboat should it be needed to access closer to shore.
On arrival of Rescue 115, the situation was further assessed and it was agreed that the safest option was to winch the five fishermen to safety. The lifeboat stood by until all casualties were accounted for before returning to Kilronan Pier at 7.30am this morning.
Meanwhile, on Saturday morning the lifeboat crew were requested to launch to a medical evacuation at 4.10am after a person had a fall. Weather at the time was blowing a force 5-6 northwest wind. There was a moderate sea and good visibility. The lifeboat launched and transferred the casualty to Rossaveel to an awaiting ambulance.
Speaking following the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Declan Branigan said they wish all casualties well following their experiences last weekend.
“Yet again, these call outs are good examples of how regular training and volunteers willing to give their time when called upon, leads to successful outcomes.
“We also extend our thanks to our colleagues in the Irish Coast Guard and fire service, this morning’s call out showed great multi-agency cooperation,” he concluded.
