The Arranmore RNLI lifeboat crew has been in action multiple times over the past two days, responding to a yacht with mechanical difficulties and a medical evacuation.
On Sunday, the lifeboat was launched after a 11-metre yacht with two people on board experienced engine trouble approximately two miles off Arranmore Island. The crew towed the yacht to safety following a request from Malin Head Coast Guard.
On Monday, the Arranmore RNLI was tasked with a medical evacuation from the island. The casualty was transferred to the lifeboat by the island ambulance before being transported to Burtonport for onward transfer to Letterkenny University Hospital.
The increased call-out activity coincides with the arrival of relief mechanic, Thomas Davis, from Clifton, Connemara. Davis, who is experienced as both a mechanic and coxswain, will be stationed on Arranmore until August 10th.
Thomas says: “This is my second time as a relief mechanic with the Arranmore Lifeboat and I would like to wish the patient a speedy recovery. As a relief mechanic/coxswain I travel to various RNLI stations in Ireland and I’m happy to be back in Arranmore again, at least the weather is better this time. I find the people here very friendly and although I’ve been here for a short time everybody on the island greets me by my name.
“As there are many different classes of lifeboats in the RNLI fleet, we relief crew are required to be familiar with all the various boats and it is great training to be able to travel around the Ireland stations to work on the different boats and meet the different crews.”