Medical Evacuation from Cape Clear

The RNLI lifeboat based in Baltimore proved its worth to the Island communities of Roaring Water Bay yet again in the early hours of this morning.

The Nurse on Cape Clear Island had called for urgent assistance in the medical care of an elderly patient. The Baltimore all weather lifeboat was tasked at 01:52 to bring a doctor and medical supplies to the Island.

The crew of the Hilda Jarrett, mustered and launched to wait at Baltimore Pier for the arrival of the doctor, traveling from Bantry. Having taken the doctor to North Harbour in Cape Clear, the lifeboat crew waited to see if further assistance could be offered. The patient was then evacuated on the lifeboat to a waiting ambulance on the mainland, arriving at Baltimore Pier at 04:05. The patient was then taken to Bantry hospital for further medical care.

Fortunately the recent gales had calmed, allowing a comfortable passage from the Island. On board the Baltimore lifeboat, for this service were Coxwain – Kieran Cotter, Mechanic Cathal Cottrell, Crewmembers Brendan Cottrell, Micheal Cottrell, Pat Collins, Sean McCarthy & John O’Flynn. Slip crew ; Rianne Smith, Jerry Smith, Kate Callanan & Vincent Roantree

Many of the lifeboat crew have close family connections with the Islanders and are proud and willing to assist these isolated communities when the need arises.

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