RNLI Crews Respond To Callout In Arklow

Arklow RNLI launched at approximately 12.15pm on Monday 21st August to a request to assist a large sailing vessel with an injured crew member aboard.

The volunteer crew made their way to the lifeboat station and and within minutes of the request were aboard RNLB Ger Tigchlearr and enroute to the reported location some 20 miles South East of Arklow.

In Southerly winds Force 6, with approx. 2metre wave heights the crew member had sustained an injury and needed to be transferred to shore as quickly as possible.

Once on scene it was clear that transfer boat to boat would be a challenging operation, With prevailing weather conditions it had been decided to request the Irish Coastguards Rescue Helicopter Rescue 117 to assist in the transfer.

First Aid was provided to the injured crew member on the vessel by its own crew on board the sailing vessel.

The lifeboat stood by the vessel to render assistance if needed.

Once the helicopter was on scene the crewmember was transferred from the vessel to the helicopter and then on to hospital.

The lifeboat then returned to base at Arkow and was made ready for service.
Arklow RNLI’s crew on this callout were Coxswain Ned Dillon,Brendan Dillon, Eddie McElheron, Craig O’Reilly and Michale Mordaunt.

Following the callout , Mark Corcoran, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Arklow RNLI said: “Our volunteers train regularly with the Irish Coast Guard helicopters, these inter agency operations are key to making sure casualties get the care they need as early as
possible, well done to the crew of the sail training vessel who provided first aid and made the early decision to seek assistance.”