Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities

MARINE TIMES NEWS August 5th:
Aran Islands Severn class lifeboat reaches 1000 callouts

The Aran Islands RNLI marked a significant milestone after its Severn Class lifeboat, ‘David Kikaldy’ completed its 1,000th callout since arriving at the station in 1997.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch yesterday (4 August) at 6.08pm for a medical evacuation from Inis Mór. Once the patient was safely transferred to Ros a Mhíl the lifeboat crew returned to Inis Mór where they were greeted by Emergency Services, former crew and members of the public to mark the occasion.

The David Kirkaldy arrived at the Aran islands station in 1997 after extensive sea trials in Poole. The lifeboats first call out was on the 19th of May 1997 at 6.50pm for a medical evacuation from Inis Mór under the command of the late coxswain Pádraic Dillane alongside mechanic John Mulkerrin and crew Éanna Dillane, Joe Gill, Máirtín Fitzpatrick, Martin Mulkerrin and Michael ó Cualáin.

Yesterday’s 1000th call out was launched under the command of Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin, Mechanic Máirtín Coyne, crew members Michael Ó Cualáin, Brian Ó Cualáin and Máirtín Gill and launch authority Aidan Coughlan.

The occasion was particularly meaningful for Michael Ó Cualáin who was crew on both the lifeboat's very first launch in 1997 and its 1,000th launch, this time alongside his son, Brian. The milestone also had special significance for crew member Máirtín Gill. His dad, former Aran Islands RNLI crew member Joe Gill, was part of the crew on the David Kirkaldy's first callout in May 1997 and was waiting at the pontoon to welcome the lifeboat home after its historic 1,000th launch.

Speaking to Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin, after the call he said: ‘It was an honour to serve as coxswain for this milestone. The David Kirkaldy becoming the first RNLI lifeboat in Ireland to reach 1,000 launches is a proud moment for our station.’

‘Reaching 1,000 launches is a testament not only to the vessel's remarkable capability after 30 years of service, but also to the dedication of our volunteers, who have answered the pager day and night, in all weather conditions, to help those in need.’

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Avril Ní Shearcaigh added: ‘This milestone comes at a particularly special time for the station, as the Aran Islands Lifeboat Station will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. It's an opportunity not only to reflect on the remarkable achievements of the generations of volunteers who have served before us, but also to celebrate a century of lifesaving service to the Aran Islands and the surrounding waters.’

Since the lifeboat station opened in 1927, it has answered 2,387 calls, a remarkable achievement made possible by the dedication of volunteers and the unwavering support of the community.

The station extends its heartfelt thanks to every past and present crew member, mechanic, coxswain, launching authority, fundraiser, volunteer and supporter who has played a part in this proud milestone.

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