Baltimore RNLI was called out to provide a medical evacuation last night (Sunday 19 July) from Sherkin Island off the coast of Baltimore, West Cork.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 7.49 pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide medical assistance and evacuation to an islander living on Sherkin.
The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat arrived at Sherkin Island pier within a few minutes of launching. The volunteer lifeboat crew went to the location where the casualty was, to assist with transfer and casualty care. Once ready the casualty was brought onboard Baltimore lifeboat and they departed the island at 8.58 pm. The lifeboat returned to the station in Baltimore and handed the casualty over to the care of HSE Ambulance crew at 9.10 pm.
There were five volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Coxswain Kieran Cotter, Mechanic Cathal Cottrell and crew members Sean McCarthy, Jerry Smith and Emma Lupton. Conditions at sea during the call out were flat calm in the harbour with a westerly force 3 wind, no sea swell and very good visibility.
Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Baltimore RNLI regularly provides the vital service of medical evacuations (medevacs) for residents and visitors to local islands such as Sherkin, Cape Clear and Heir. If you find yourself in need of medical assistance, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’