Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat Launches to Fishing Boat Involved in Collision
Friday 2 September 2026
Donaghadee RNLI volunteers were launched late on Wednesday evening, 30 September, following reports of a collision between a fishing vessel and a cargo ship just east of the Copeland Islands.
The lifeboat crew were paged by HM Coastguard at 11.20pm and requested to launch RNLI lifeboat Macquarie after a report was received that a 24-metre fishing vessel had collided with an 88-metre cargo vessel.
Under the helm of Coxswain Stephen McComiskey, the lifeboat launched into a south-westerly wind, with good visibility and slight to moderate sea conditions. The crew were able to make best speed towards the reported position, arriving on scene before midnight.
On reaching the fishing vessel, the lifeboat crew established communication with the skipper, who confirmed that he was uninjured and that there had been no pollution as a result of the incident.
The skipper advised the lifeboat crew that he did not require assistance but requested that they inspect the exterior of the vessel, particularly around the starboard side.
The crew carried out the inspection and observed obvious damage to the vessel's stem, which appeared to be above the waterline, along with scuff marks. Their observations were subsequently reported to HM Coastguard.
With no further assistance required, the skipper requested permission to continue on his passage and expressed his thanks to the lifeboat crew for their assistance.
The cargo vessel involved in the collision also continued on its course.
The call-out was the 17th for Donaghadee Lifeboat volunteers this year, highlighting the continued commitment of the volunteer crew to responding to those in difficulty at sea.
Coxswain Stephen McComiskey said:
“We were alerted promptly to the situation, and the swift turnout of our volunteer crew proved beneficial, allowing us to provide early assistance to the fishing vessel.
“Had the circumstances changed or further assistance been required, we were on hand and ready to respond.
“I would like to thank our volunteer crew for their prompt response and for acting with the professionalism they consistently demonstrate.”
The Donaghadee RNLI crew were subsequently stood down and Macquarie returned to station.
