AMBITIOUS

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Course/Position

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Crew of grounded trawler rescued by helicopter

The Aran Islands RNLI responded to a Mayday call of the 'Ambitious' in the early morning of March 3, 2024, at 4.51 a.m. after the ship had run aground at An Coirnéal Port Eochla on the north side of Inis Mór. The lifeboat launched shortly after with six crew members onboard. In the 20 minutes it took to get to the scene, the fishing vessel had started to take on water and was beginning to list to port side. Arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew observed that all five fishermen had abandoned their trawler and were in a life raft alongside the vessel. All were safe and well and in good spirits. The northwest wind was blowing with force 5, and there was a moderate swell of two meters and good visibility. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 from Shannon was also tasked along with Coast Guard and Fire Service units to the shore side. Having assessed the situation, a decision was made by the Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Declan Branigan to launch the lifeboat’s smaller daughter inflatable lifeboat, should it be needed to access closer to shore. Upon the arrival of the helicopter, the situation was further assessed, and it was agreed that the safest option was to winch the five fishermen on board. The lifeboat stood by until all casualties were accounted for. before returning to Kilronan Pier at 7.30 a.m.