Clifden RNLI joined a multi-agency response in Clifden earlier this week when a man fell into the water at Clifden Quay.
The incident on Tuesday saw volunteer crew members, who were at the quay when the incident occurred on Tuesday, go to help the casualty, who had fallen a significant distance from the quayside, made impact with a boat some 15 to 20 feet below, and was injured.
Clifden RNLI mechanic Joe Acton and crew member Andy Bell were in the area carrying out vessel maintenance and responded to the incident with the RNLI Sillinger boarding boat. The Sillinger is a light and small boat which is usually used to access the Shannon class all weather lifeboat, but it is very suitable for use in shallow water.
The two crew members manoeuvred the boarding boat into position to allow paramedics to access the casualty and transfer him to the ambulance which was waiting at the quay. The casualty was airlifted by Air Corps helicopter 112 to University Hospital Galway for further treatment.
“This is a great example of multi-agency cooperation between the RNLI, HSE/National Ambulance Service, Clifden Fire Service, An Garda Siochána, the Irish Coast Guard, and the Air Corps,” said Clifden RNLI Lifeboat operations manager John Brittain. “This call demonstrated great teamwork and decision-making and we all wish the casualty a speedy recovery.”
