Achill lifeboat assists with medical evacuation from Inishturk

ACHILL Island RNLI responded to a request to assist a woman requiring medical evacuation from Inishturk yesterday (Friday) morning. The request came from the Irish Coast Guard, who had also requested the assistance of Sligo-based helicopter Rescue 118.

The volunteer crew launched shortly after 7.30 a.m. under the command of Sean Curtain, relief coxswain, with six additional crew on board, arriving at Inishturk an hour later.

The lifeboat was met by the casualty’s nephew, who transported four of the crew to her home, Rescue 118 having already landed. The crew assisted with transferring the woman to the helicopter and then secured the area for a safe take-off for the aircraft.

Speaking after the call out, Michael Cattigan, Achill Island RNLI mechanic, said: “This is another excellent example of inter-agency cooperation. We train regularly with Rescue 118 for various situations both at sea and on land and we were delighted to be able to offer our assistance again on this occasion for the benefit of this woman who needed help.

“We wish her well for a speedy recovery.”