Multi-Agency Rescue Brings Casualty to Safety on Inis Mór

A person was successfully rescued from a dangerous coastal location on Inis Mór following a coordinated response involving several emergency services.

The alarm was raised shortly after 1.30pm on Friday, 25 September, after a person was reported to be in difficulty near Poll na bPéist, commonly known as the Wormhole.

The casualty had reportedly been knocked down by a wave and swept onto an exposed ledge as strong winds, rough seas and breaking waves created extremely challenging conditions.

The Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centre in Valentia tasked the Sligo-based Rescue 118 helicopter, the North Aran Coast Guard Unit and the Aran Islands RNLI all-weather lifeboat to respond.

Aran Fire and Rescue personnel located the casualty and secured them with a rope while waves continued to break around the ledge. When Rescue 118 arrived, the helicopter’s winch crew carried out a difficult recovery and successfully lifted the person to safety.

The casualty was then flown to University Hospital Galway for further treatment. The Aran Islands lifeboat remained nearby throughout the operation to provide support if required.

The successful rescue demonstrated the skill, preparation and cooperation of Ireland’s coastal emergency services. Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin praised Rescue 118 and Aran Fire and Rescue for completing the recovery safely in extremely difficult conditions.

Visitors to coastal areas are reminded to remain a safe distance from cliff edges, watch for slippery or unstable ground and remain conscious of changing sea conditions.

In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.