Lough Swilly RNLI launched its new Atlantic 85 lifeboat for the first time on Tuesday evening after a motorboat got into difficulty off Fahan Marina in County Donegal.
The volunteer crew were preparing for a training exercise on Davdot when Malin Head Coast Guard requested assistance at 7.32pm following a 112 call.
A person aboard an 18ft motorboat reported a fuel line failure and concern about drifting onto rocks on an incoming tide.
Helm Barry Johnston, with crew Stephen Doherty, Barry Nixon and Shane Meehan, launched immediately and proceeded to the scene.
Conditions were described as good, with moderate wind and calm seas.
On arrival, the casualty was found wearing a lifejacket and safe, but unable to make progress due to the risk posed by the tide.
A decision was made to tow the vessel to nearby Fahan Marina.
Speaking after the call-out, helm Barry Johnston 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.”
“As the pleasure boating season starts, we would encourage anyone planning a trip on the water to check the weather and tides, inform someone of their plans, and ensure their engine is well maintained,” he added.
The service marks the first call-out for Davdot, which arrived on station on 8 April, and the first inshore lifeboat call-out of 2026 for Lough Swilly RNLI.
