Clogherhead RNLI volunteers were tasked by the Coast Guard early yesterday morning, Sunday 18 August, to assist a fisherman onboard a fishing vessel who was in need of medical care.

At 2.55 a.m. Clogherhead lifeboat received a request by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the aid of a fisherman in need of medical care aboard a fishing vessel which couldn’t access Port Oriel, Clogherhead at low tide.

The fishing vessel was located 1.5 nautical miles east of Port Oriel. The Clogherhead volunteer lifeboat crew launched the all-weather Shannon class lifeboat immediately under Coxswain Tomas Whelahan with five crew members onboard.

When the lifeboat reached the fishing vessel they went alongside and the coxswain sent two Clogherhead RNLI casualty carers aboard to assess the casualty. Having administered oxygen to the casualty he was transferred to the lifeboat which made best speed back to an awaiting ambulance at Port Oriel.

With the assistance of colleagues at Clogherhead Coast Guard the casualty was taken ashore and handed over to the paramedics there.

Speaking after the call out, Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Tomas Whelahan said: “Our volunteer crew members are on call 24/7 365 days a year and a callout like this can occur at any time of the day or night.

“Thankfully, due to the quick action of our own volunteers, the casualty was able to be transferred to hospital with the assistance of our paramedic colleagues and the Clogherhead Coast Guard.”