Lough Swilly RNLI Launches New Lifeboat in First Rescue Call

Wednesday 22 April 2026

Lough Swilly’s newest lifeboat was called into action for the first time on Tuesday evening (21 April), responding to a motorboat in difficulty near Fahan Marina.

Lifeboat Recovery after Service. Photo Credit: RNLI/Joe Joyce

The volunteer crew from RNLI Lough Swilly had been preparing to launch on a routine training exercise on Davdot when they were tasked by Malin Head Coast Guard at 7:32pm.

The Coast Guard had received a 112 emergency call from a person aboard an 18-foot motorboat, reporting a fuel line failure. The caller also expressed concern that the vessel was at risk of drifting onto nearby rocks as the tide was coming in.

The Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, helmed by Barry Johnston with crew members Stephen Doherty, Barry Nixon and Shane Meehan onboard, launched immediately and proceeded to the scene.

Conditions at the time were favourable, with moderate winds and calm seas aiding the response.

Upon arrival, the crew located the casualty, who was wearing a lifejacket and unharmed. However, due to the fuel issue and the increasing risk posed by the incoming tide, the vessel was unable to make safe progress under its own power.

After assessing the situation, the crew determined that the safest course of action was to establish a tow. The lifeboat successfully towed the vessel back to Fahan Marina, bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.

Speaking after the call out, Barry Johnston, Lough Swilly RNLI Helm said: ‘We would like to commend the person onboard the motorboat who was appropriately dressed and wearing a lifejacket and equipped with a means of communication to make the 112 call when they knew they were in difficulty.

‘As the pleasure boating season starts, we would encourage anyone planning a trip on the water, to always check the weather and tide times before venturing out, to tell someone where you are going and when you are due back and to ensure your engine is well maintained.

‘This was the first call out for Davdot, which arrived on station on the 8 April, and the first inshore lifeboat call out of 2026.’