Helicopter and gardai rush to scene of serious Galway call
Gardai, fire ambulances, lifeboat crew among others were called to the scene
Rescue 115 was part of the emergency services team that rushed to the scene of a serious Galway call overnight.
Gardai, ambulance services and lifeboat crew, as well as others, sprang to action after receiving an alert about a missing swimmer in Salthill.
The helicopter Rescue 115 was also radioed in for help but while en route had been told that RNLI Galway lifeboat was first at the scene and after conducting a search, it emerged the swimmer had been located safe and well.
This led to all units being stood down and returning to their bases.
Elsewhere, volunteers for the RNLI in Aran Islands had an extremely busy week attending ten callouts including a medical evacuation over the weekend.
Brave members rushed to the medical evacuation on Inis Mor where the injured party had a suspected spinal injury.
Crews safely transferred the casualty to Ros a Mhil where emergency services were waiting.
Later on Saturday, the crew assisted a lone sailor whose journey was cut short due to engine failure and worsening conditions.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Avril Ní Shearcaigh said: “In challenging conditions with Force 5 winds and a 2-metre swell, the lifeboat crew safely towed the yacht back to Cill Rónain Harbour.”
She continued: “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.”
“A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteer crew for their continued commitment.
“If you see someone in trouble on the water or along the coast, call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard, or use Marine VHF Channel 16.”