Portrush was the nearest on one side while the Arran Islands boat was the closest on the other side. Today there are 48 stations. Earlier this year Arranmore took delivery of the new Severn class lifeboat to replace the Tyne boat. The largest modern lifeboat in the fleet, the 17 metre Severn class boat is fully fitted with modern navigation, location and communications equipment. If affects us all when a body is brought in and unfortunately we have had our fair share of tragedies down the years' he said.
Medivac is a service which enables sick people to be taken to the mainland and on to hospital.
That service will be enhanced when the new helipad which will allow 24 hours service comes on stream,' he said. Tony is the new chairman of the management committee. Manager of the Arranmore Co-op for the past twenty years, Tony is hugely proud pride of his island roots. According to the last census, there are 610 people living on Arranmore, compared with a high of 1,200 people in 1944. Last year for example three young couples returned home with their families and as many more are looking to come home this year,' he said.