Galway RNLI volunteers assist casualty in Inishbofin before escorting late fisherman to the island
Clifden RNLI assisted in a medical evacuation of a casualty from Inishbofin. Photo: RNLI/Mella Walsh
Clifden RNLI assisted in a medical evacuation of a casualty from Inishbofin, County Galway, before joining 40 other boats in escorting the late John Burke to his final resting place on Inishbofin.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked just after 11am yesterday on Sunday July 7, by the Coast Guard to assist a casualty on the island.
Clifden’s Shannon class all weather lifeboat St Christopher was launched under Coxswain James Mullen, with John Mullen, Alan Kearney and Andy Bell as crew.
The crew arrived at the island, made their way to the casualty and carried out a comprehensive casualty care assessment on the individual. The person was then transported to the airstrip on the island and handed over to the Coast Guard’s Dublin based helicopter Rescue 116 for further treatment in hospital.
Speaking about the call out, Clifden RNLI Coxswain James Mullen said, “My thanks to all involved in today's shout, as always we had great cooperation and assistance from the community in Inishbofin, and I also wish the casualty a swift recovery. The volunteer crew at our station are on call 24/7. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
Having completed the operation, the all weather lifeboat crew joined with Clifden's Atlantic 85 crew and 40 other boats who were escorting the late John Burke from Cleggan Pier to his final resting place on Inishbofin.
Inishbofin fisherman John Burke, who was 51, died last week. His body was recovered in the early hours of Thursday morning, July 4, after he went missing on Wednesday night.
His death has brought great sadness to the community with tributes being paid to him throughout the week.
