Baltimore RNLI responds to two Cape Clear medevacs in one day
Saturday 26 September 2026
Baltimore RNLI volunteers were called out twice on Saturday (26 September), responding to separate medical evacuation requests on Cape Clear Island, off the coast of west Cork.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 10.45am following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide a medical evacuation for a resident of Cape Clear Island.
The Baltimore lifeboat arrived at North Harbour on Cape Clear at 11.07am. Following a quick assessment by a Casualty Care lifeboat crew member, the casualty was brought onboard the lifeboat.
The lifeboat departed Cape Clear at 11.12am and arrived back at Baltimore RNLI lifeboat station at 11.39am, where the casualty was handed over to the care of an HSE ambulance crew.
Six volunteer crew members were onboard for the morning call: Coxswain Aidan Bushe, mechanic Jerry Smith and crew members Micheal Cottrell, Ollie O’Mahony, Conor Harrington and Maria Coleman.
Sea conditions were good, with a south-westerly Force 4 to 5 wind and a slight sea swell.
Later that afternoon, at 3.25pm, the volunteer lifeboat crew were again requested by the Irish Coast Guard to launch and provide a second medical evacuation for a resident of Cape Clear Island.
The lifeboat arrived at North Harbour at 3.45pm. Following an assessment by a Casualty Care lifeboat crew member, the casualty was brought onboard.
The lifeboat departed Cape Clear at 3.52pm and arrived back at the Baltimore station at 4.16pm, where the casualty was again handed over to the care of an HSE ambulance crew.
The six volunteer crew onboard for the second call were Coxswain Aidan Bushe, mechanic Jerry Smith and crew members Micheal Cottrell, Ollie O’Mahony, Maria Coleman and Brian McSweeney.
Conditions remained good during the afternoon, with a south-westerly Force 4 to 5 wind and a 2m sea swell.
Speaking following the callouts, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, said: “It was a busy day for Baltimore RNLI with two calls in the one day and both times our volunteer crews were quick to respond.
“Should you find yourself in a medical emergency at sea or on an island, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
