The RNLI volunteer crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 5.22am this morning following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide medical assistance and evacuation to a man on Sherkin Island.
Baltimore RNLI carried out another medical evacuation early this (Wednesday) morning, this time from Sherkin Island off the coast of Baltimore, in what was its third call-out in 24 hours.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 5.22am following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide medical assistance and evacuation to a man on Sherkin Island.
The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat arrived at Sherkin pier at 5.32am. The casualty was brought onboard and the lifeboat departed the island at 5.35am. The lifeboat returned to the station in Baltimore and handed the casualty over to the care of HSE ambulance crew at 5.48am.
There were seven volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat: coxswain Aidan Bushe, mechanic Cathal Cottrell and crew members Eoin Ryan, Jerry Smith, Pat Collins, Colin Whooley and Don O’Donovan. Assisting at the boathouse in Baltimore were David Ryan, Kieran Collins, Gerald O’Brien and Kieran Cotter.
Conditions at sea during the call out were calm with an easterly force 1-2 wind, no sea swell and good visibility.
Speaking following the call-out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer, said: ‘In the past 24 hours, there has been three call outs for Baltimore lifeboat. The all-weather lifeboat provided medical evacuations from the islands of Cape Clear and Sherkin whilst the inshore lifeboat provided a tow to safety for a pleasure craft that had broken down close to the entrance of the harbour.
‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews are always ready at any time of the day or night to help people in need. If you find yourself in difficulty or in need of medical assistance at sea or along the coastline, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
