Lough Swilly RNLI Assists Broken-Down Jet Ski Near Inch Island

Tuesday 26 May 2026

Volunteer crew from Lough Swilly RNLI launched on Monday evening to assist a jet ski that had broken down near Inch Island in Co Donegal.

Lough Swiily RNLI's inshore lifeboat being recovered on to trailer after the incident. Photo Credit: RNLI/Lough Swilly

The charity’s inshore lifeboat, Davdot, was launched at 5.55pm on Monday 25 May at the request of Malin Head Coast Guard following reports of a jet ski with one person onboard experiencing engine trouble.

Weather conditions during the incident were described as sunny with a gentle breeze and choppy seas as the region continued to enjoy the recent spell of warm weather.

The lifeboat crew arrived quickly on scene, approximately 3.2 nautical miles south west of the station. With assistance from another nearby jet skier, the casualty craft’s engine had been restarted, although it was operating with minimal power and making only slow progress.

RNLI volunteers remained alongside the jet ski to provide support and ensure the safe return of all parties to Inch Pier.

The launch also provided a valuable operational insight for visiting Irish Coast Guard personnel who were at the station at the time as part of their Watch Officer training programme.

Joe Joyce, Lough Swilly RNLI Operations Manager, was hosting the visit when the callout was received. Following the launch, the visiting Coast Guard members said the incident offered “a great opportunity to see what happens at the lifeboat station once a launch request is received from the Coast Guard”.

“As initiators of these launch requests, the observation of volunteers assembling and preparing the lifeboat for launch provides additional insight into the chain of activities that stem from when a 999 call is received,” they added.

Following the incident, Lough Swilly RNLI Coxswain Eamonn Mahon reminded water users of the importance of carrying reliable means of communication when going afloat.

“Always carry a means of calling for help when going afloat and stay with your craft in an emergency, it will keep you afloat and easy to locate,” he said.

“Make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing for the forecasted conditions. Should you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”