Aran Islands RNLI Rescues Missing Individual Following Coastal Search
- Pat Nolan
- 9 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Sunday 3 May 2026
On Sunday 3 May, Valentia Coast Guard requested the volunteer crew at Aran Islands RNLI to launch after reports that a person had separated from friends, while exploring Straw Island and had failed to return.
The alarm was raised at approximately 4:46pm when reports indicated that the individual had failed to return after venturing out on Straw Island, part of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland.
The lifeboat crew reached the scene promptly and began a search operation around Straw Island, working alongside the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 115. The joint effort focused on both shoreline and surrounding waters.
At 5:27pm, a breakthrough came when a lifeboat crew member conducting a shoreline search spotted the missing person in the water, approximately 700 metres from Straw Island. The lifeboat immediately diverted to the location and successfully recovered the casualty from the water.
Once safely onboard, the crew carried out an initial assessment. Given the circumstances, it was decided that the individual required further medical attention. Rescue 115 then conducted a winching operation, lifting the casualty from the lifeboat.
The person was subsequently airlifted to hospital for further examination.
Speaking following the call out, Aran Islands Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin said: ‘We would like to extend our very best wishes to the casualty and hope for a full and speedy recovery. We also commend the casualty's' friends who didn’t hesitate to call the Irish Coast Guard and raise the alarm.’
‘This marks our third call out in three days and we would like to recognise the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, who consistently respond when paged. We would also like to extend our thanks to Rescue 115 & Aran Fire and Rescue for their reliability, dedication, and teamwork today and every day.’
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
