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 (Tues) at 6.08pm for a medical evacuation from Inis Mór. Once the patient was safely transferred to Ros a MhÃl 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, MáirtÃn Fitzpatrick, Martin Mulkerrin and Michael ó Cualáin.
Yesterday’s 1000th call out was launched under the command of Coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin, Mechanic MáirtÃn Coyne, crew members Michael Ó Cualáin, Brian Ó Cualáin and MáirtÃn 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 MáirtÃn 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.
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.
