Arranmore lifeboat off service after positive Covid-19 test

THE RNLI lifeboat on Arranmore has been temporarily taken off service after a volunteer crew member tested positive for Covid-19.

Members of the Arranmore Island RNLI took part in an exercise earlier this week. No other vessels were involved.

Since then, one of the eight people involved in the exercise has tested positive for Covid-19. The RNLI has confirmed that the lifeboat has now been taken off serve.

“A deep clean of the lifeboat, crew kit and station has been undertaken,” the RNLI said.

“All crew members with contact to the volunteer have been asked to self-isolate and the crew will be tested for Covid-19.”

The RNLI say that search and rescue cover will be undertaken by other assets in the area, including the other RNLI lifeboat stations, Bundoran and Lough Swilly.

The RNLI said: “Our priority is always for the safety of our lifeboat crew and we will not put them or the public at risk. Arranmore Island RNLI will resume service once it is safe to do so.”