The new lifeboat, operational since April, replaces the Minnie and Ernest George Barry, which launched 265 times over almost 19 years at Lough Swilly and rescued 233 people, including five lives saved.
As previously reported by Afloat.ie, Davdot arrived in Buncrana on 8 April, funded by RNLI supporters Dorothy and David Robinson from Surrey, who have supported the charity since 2003.
Joe Joyce, Lough Swilly RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, welcomed guests to Saturday's ceremony, including Richard and Jennifer Kendrick, who attended as representatives of the lifeboat's donors.
The Kendricks formally handed the lifeboat to the RNLI, with trustee Paddy McLaughlin accepting it on behalf of the charity before transferring it to the station.
Liam Magee, station president, and John McCarter, chair of the Lifeboat Management Group, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the local volunteers.
Full House – RNLI volunteers, invited guests and supporters gather at Lough Swilly Lifeboat Station for the dedication of the new Atlantic 85 lifeboat Davdot, celebrating almost 40 years of lifesaving in Donegal. Photo: Clive Wasson
Lifeboat Named With Local Craft Beer
Rev Mel Niblock, Michael Roulston and Fr Francis Bradley led the dedication service.
Volunteer crew members performed Phil Coulter's Home from the Sea, accompanied by the Trad Lads, who provided music for the occasion.
Richard and Jennifer Kendrick then officially named the lifeboat Davdot, marking the occasion by pouring a bottle of locally brewed Kinnegar craft beer over its side.
A Splashing Occasion – Richard Kendrick pours locally brewed Kinnegar craft beer over Davdot as Jennifer Kendrick looks on during the official naming ceremony at Lough Swilly RNLI. Photo: Clive Wasson
Speaking at the ceremony, Joe Joyce said the naming represented another significant milestone in the station's history.
"As one of the Launch Authorities, I have the responsibility to authorise the lifeboat's launch when requested, and to send a message to the crew asking them to get to the station as quickly as possible.
"We know thanks to the generosity of the donors and the commitment and dedication of our volunteers, that Davdot will help ensure we continue to provide an effective lifesaving service."
New Lifeboat Capable of 35 Knots
The Atlantic 85 is among the fastest lifeboats in the RNLI fleet, capable of reaching 35 knots and carrying a crew of four.
Powered by twin 115-horsepower engines, the lifeboat is equipped with radar, VHF direction-finding equipment and electronic navigation and communication systems.
Ready for Service – An overhead view of Lough Swilly RNLI's new Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Davdot, which has been operational since April and can reach speeds of 35 knots. Photo: Clive Wasson
Its manually operated self-righting mechanism and engines designed to keep running after inversion allow the lifeboat to remain operational after a capsize. The design also allows the boat to be beached in an emergency without damaging its engines or steering gear.
Introduced to the RNLI fleet in 2005, the Atlantic 85 carries a searchlight, night-vision equipment and flares to support operations after dark and in poor visibility.
The new lifeboat has already been involved in rescue operations. As Afloat.ie reported in April, its first call-out involved assisting a motorboat with engine trouble near Fahan Marina.
Almost 40 Years of Lifesaving at Lough Swilly
Since Lough Swilly RNLI was established almost 40 years ago, the station's lifeboats have launched more than 1,000 times, assisting 895 people and saving 42 lives.
The station's volunteers were called into action again at the conclusion of Saturday's ceremony when the all-weather Shannon class lifeboat was requested to launch. The incident was later confirmed as a well-intentioned false alarm.
