Busy evening for Lough Swilly RNLI volunteers after two separate call-outs
- Pat Nolan
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Friday 14 August 2026
Lough Swilly RNLI’s volunteer crew had a busy evening on Wednesday, 12 August, responding to two separate incidents after being requested to launch by Malin Head Coast Guard.
The charity’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Davdot launched at 7:39 pm following reports of two red flares sighted in the Port Ronan area, south-west of Malin Head. Greencastle Coast Guard’s D class lifeboat and Delta teams were also tasked to assist.
The Lough Swilly crew carried out a thorough shoreline search southwards from Port Ronan but found no indication that anyone was in difficulty.
As the crew prepared to report their findings to Malin Head Coast Guard, they were immediately tasked to a second incident at 8:17 pm involving a 28ft vessel with two people onboard, south-west of Dunaff Head.
The lifeboat arrived at the scene at 8:35 pm and located the vessel, which had become disabled after a line became fouled around its propeller.
The line was successfully removed, but the vessel remained stuck in gear with its engine shut down. There was no way for the crew onboard to disengage the gearbox and restart the engine.
With the vessel’s position, fading daylight and the ebbing tide taken into consideration, the Lough Swilly crew decided the safest option was to establish a tow to the nearest suitable harbour.
With the agreement of the two people onboard, the tow got underway at 9:05 pm, with the casualty vessel being brought towards Rathmullan.
Meanwhile, the earlier flare sightings had been fully investigated by Greencastle Coast Guard. Nothing untoward was found and the search teams were stood down at 9:20 pm.
The tow continued safely to Rathmullan Pontoon, where the vessel was secured at 11:40 pm. Once the two occupants were safely ashore, the volunteer crew returned to station, with Davdot refuelled and ready for service again by 12:30 am.
Lough Swilly RNLI Helm Barry Johnston said the evening demonstrated how quickly one call-out can lead to another.
“This was a busy evening for our volunteer crew, highlighting how quickly one call out can lead to another,” he said.
“Thankfully, the two people onboard were able to raise the alarm and get assistance when they encountered difficulties.
“This incident highlights the importance of being prepared before going to sea. Mechanical problems can happen unexpectedly, so it's vital to carry a reliable means of communication and know how to use it, and let someone ashore know your plans.
“If you see someone in difficulty at sea, or if you get into trouble yourself, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
