Busy Week for Aran Islands RNLI Volunteers with 10 Call Outs in Just Seven Days
- Pat Nolan
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tuesday 21 July 2026
Aran Islands RNLI volunteers have responded to an exceptional 10 call outs in just seven days, highlighting another busy period for the dedicated crew who remain on call around the clock to save lives at sea.
The weekend alone saw the all-weather lifeboat launched three times to assist those in difficulty along the Galway coast.
On Saturday, the volunteer crew launched to carry out a medical evacuation from Inis Mór after a person was reported to have sustained a suspected spinal injury. The casualty was safely transferred by lifeboat to Ros a Mhíl, where they were met by waiting emergency services for onward treatment.
Later that evening, the crew launched again to assist a lone sailor whose passage had been cut short due to fatigue, deteriorating weather conditions and engine failure. In challenging conditions, with Force 5 winds and a two-metre swell, the crew established a tow and safely brought the yacht back to Cill Rónáin Harbour.
The volunteers were tasked for a third time over the weekend on Sunday evening after reports of a broken-down vessel southwest of Ros a Mhíl. The lifeboat crew towed the vessel safely back to harbour without incident.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Avril Ní Shearcaigh praised the commitment of the station's volunteers.
"It's been a busy week at the station with 10 call outs in a week. We're very grateful to our volunteers who never hesitate to answer the pager and take time from their busy lives to help save lives at sea."
The Aran Islands RNLI has thanked its volunteer crew for their continued dedication and commitment to serving their local community and all those who use the waters around the islands.
The RNLI reminds anyone who sees a person in difficulty on the water or along the coast to call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard, or to use Marine VHF Channel 16.
