Aran Islands RNLI Volunteers Respond to Four Emergencies in 24 Hours
- Pat Nolan
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Tuesday 14 July 2026
Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat volunteers responded to four separate emergency taskings within a 24-hour period, including two medical evacuations, a Mayday incident involving a drifting vessel and an overdue boat.
The first call came at 9.40am on Sunday, 12 July, when Valentia Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) tasked the all-weather lifeboat to carry out a medical evacuation from Inis OÃrr.
Launching from Cill Rónáin Harbour, the crew proceeded to the island where they met the local doctor and received a handover of the patient. The casualty was safely transferred by lifeboat to Ros an MhÃl, where an ambulance crew was waiting to continue treatment. The lifeboat returned to station at 11.45am.
The second launch followed at 1.38pm when the lifeboat was tasked alongside Rescue 115 and Costelloe Bay Coast Guard after a Mayday was issued by a small vessel that had suffered engine failure and was drifting towards a rocky shoreline.
While the Aran Islands RNLI crew was making its way to the scene, the volunteers were stood down after a passing vessel successfully assisted the stricken boat, removing the immediate danger.
Later that evening, at 10.44pm, Valentia MRCC requested the lifeboat to respond to reports of an overdue vessel believed to be between Inis Mór and Ros an MhÃl. The lifeboat launched alongside Rescue 115 and Aran Fire & Rescue.
As the crew headed towards the vessel's last known position, a research vessel operating in the area reported that it had established contact with those onboard, who were safe and well. The RNLI crew then escorted the vessel safely to its destination before returning to base.
The fourth and final tasking came at 6.44pm on Monday, 13 July, after the Irish Coast Guard received reports that a cyclist had been injured on Inis Mór and required medical evacuation.
On arrival, the RNLI crew received a handover from the island doctor before, with assistance from Aran Fire & Rescue, transferring the patient safely aboard the lifeboat. The casualty was transported to Ros an MhÃl and handed into the care of a waiting ambulance crew.
Speaking after the series of call-outs, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin praised the commitment of the station's volunteers.
"It's been a busy week and as always, I would like to thank our volunteers who are always willing and ready to respond. This marks six call outs in six days that our volunteers have responded to without fail."
He also urged those planning to visit or enjoy the waters around the Aran Islands during the busy summer period to take appropriate safety precautions.
"As we enjoy some good weather and see an increase of tourists visiting the Aran Islands, we would like to remind anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to enjoy themselves but to go prepared. Check weather and tides before venturing out, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."