Working Conditions Aboard the William-Butler-Yeats

On September 15, 2017, the patrol vessel LÉ William Butler Yeats engaged in two critical rescue missions off the coast of Tripoli, saving a total of 285 migrants from precarious rubber boats. The operations took place approximately 44 kilometers northwest of the Libyan capital. The first mission commenced at 10:12 a.m., where the dedicated crew rescued 146 migrants before ending at 12:28 p.m. A second operation started at 1:39 p.m., resulting in the rescue of an additional 139 individuals, along with the unfortunate recovery of three deceased bodies. The tragic discovery of these lives lost serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those attempting to cross the Mediterranean. By 3:25 p.m., all rescued migrants and the deceased were brought aboard the LÉ William Butler Yeats, highlighting the patrol boat's commitment to humanitarian efforts in perilous sea conditions.

On July 30, 2017, the patrol vessel "LÉ William Butler Yeats" successfully conducted its inaugural search and rescue (SAR) mission in the Mediterranean following its deployment on July 14 as part of Operation Pontus. Responding to a distress call from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre at 12:30 p.m., the ship swiftly navigated to a location 56 miles northeast of Tripoli, where it encountered 109 migrants in peril. The rescue operation was completed by 4:30 p.m., with all individuals provided food, water, and necessary medical assistance. Later that evening, the rescued migrants were safely transferred to an Italian Coast Guard vessel for further support. This operation highlights the ongoing humanitarian efforts in the region amid the challenges faced by migrants. For a detailed report with images, visit: https://www.thesun.ie/news/1333822/irish-rescue-ship-le-william-butler-yeats-saves-109-migrants-in-first-search-operation-since-deploying-to-the-mediterranean/

On July 18, 2017, a dramatic rescue unfolded 35 miles off the coast of Cabo de Gata, Almería, as Salvamento Marítimo successfully carried out a medical evacuation for a 22-year-old crew member of the vessel 'William Butler Yeats.' The young man was diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax, prompting urgent action from the ship's medical team. At approximately 07:10 a.m., the crew requested assistance based on the doctor's advice. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCC) in Almería and Cartagena swiftly responded by dispatching Helimer Helicopter 215, stationed at Almería airport. The helicopter crew expertly hoisted the patient onboard along with a ship's doctor. The rescue mission concluded at 10 a.m. when the helicopter landed back at the airport. Following the ordeal, an ambulance then transported the sailor to Hospital Torrecárdenas in Almería for further treatment.