First shout for Clifden RNLI newest Coxswain and Mechanic
Yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 14th August) Clifden's volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to carry out a medical evacuation for a casualty on Inishbofin. The operation was carried out under the command of Daniel Whelan, his first since passing out as Coxswain a few weeks earlier.
Chris Nee served as Mechanic for the first time since completing his training on the ALB.
Clifden’s Shannon class all weather lifeboat, St Christopher launched at 6.30pm yesterday under Coxswain Daniel Whelan with crew Joe Acton, Dave Barry, Neil Gallery and Chris Nee. John Brendan Mannion, Ian Shanahan and Tom Guy assisted from the shore.
The crew arrived at the island at 7pm and carried out a comprehensive casualty care assessment on the individual.
The person was then brought onboard St Christopher, transported back to Cleggan pier and handed over to paramedics from the National Ambulance Service. Sea conditions at the time were challenging with force 6-7 winds and large waves.
Speaking about the shout, Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Tony Casey said 'My thanks to all involved in yesterday's shout, in particular Daniel and Chris who have demonstrated huge commitment to the station over recent months. We have a constant focus on training and skills development in Clifden RNLI, ensuring that when we go to sea we have the knowledge and experience to manage the most complex rescues.
'I wish the casualty a swift recovery and remind the public that the volunteer crew at our station are on call 24/7. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.