Two call outs for Galway sea rescuers in 24 hours – medevac from Inisbofin & probe of drifting boat

On Monday, September 30, at 5.30pm the volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked to carry out a medical evacuation from Inishbofin.

Under the command of Coxswain James Mullen, Clifden's all weather lifeboat St Christopher was launched with Joe Acton, Kenny Flaherty, Shane Conneely and Chris Nee as crew.

At the island, the crew carried out casualty care on a man who was injured in a fall. The crew received a handover from fellow RNLI volunteer Ash Sweeney who is providing relief community nursing on Inishbofin. Once the patient was secure and comfortable he was transported back to Cleggan pier and into an awaiting ambulance for further treatment by National Ambulance Service paramedics.

The crew were also called out on Sunday afternoon, September 29, to investigate a local sailing boat that had broken free from her moorings in Clifden Bay.

Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Tony Casey commented: "As the seasons and sea conditions are changing and we prepare for wet and windy weather this is a good time to remind all mariners to check their moorings and ensure their vessels are in good condition.

"Mechanical failure is the single biggest cause of rescue call outs to sailing and motor cruisers, accounting for nearly 20pc of RNLI lifeboat launches. Always wear an appropriate lifejacket. Always carry a means of calling and signalling for help.

"Ensure there is an emergency action plan in place and everybody has an onboard briefing (in particular on the location and use of the safety equipment, including the spare kill cord for powerboats), lastly please never delay in calling for assistance, in Clifden RNLI we are ready to respond 24/7."