Lough Swilly RNLI brings two people to safety during consecutive call outs

The charity’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Davdot, launched at 7.39pm following reports of two red flares sighted in the Port Ronan area, south-west of Malin Head. Greencastle Coast Guard’s D class and Delta teams were also tasked to assist.

The lifeboat crew carried out a thorough shoreline search southward from Port Ronan but found no signs of anyone in difficulty. As the crew prepared to update Malin Head Coast Guard on the outcome of the search, they were immediately requested at 8.17pm to assist a vessel with two people onboard south-west of Dunaff Head.

Arriving on scene at 8.35pm, the crew located the 28ft vessel, which had become disabled after a line fouled its propeller. Although the line was successfully removed, the vessel remained stuck in gear with its engine shut down and no means of disengaging the gearbox to restart it.

Given the vessel’s location, the fading daylight and the ebbing tide, the lifeboat crew assessed that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to the nearest suitable harbour. With the agreement of the two people onboard, a tow commenced at 9.05pm.

En route to Rathmullan, the crew received confirmation that the earlier flare sightings had been fully investigated by Greencastle Coast Guard, who were stood down at 9.20pm after nothing untoward was found.

The casualty vessel was safely brought to Rathmullan Pontoon, where it was secured at 11.40pm. Once the occupants were safely ashore, the lifeboat crew were able to return to station and the lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service again at 00.30am.

Barry Johnston, Lough Swilly RNLI Helm said: ‘This was a busy evening for our volunteer crew, highlighting how quickly one call out can lead to another. Thankfully, the two people onboard were able to raise the alarm and get assistance when they encountered difficulties. This incident highlights the importance of being prepared before going to sea. Mechanical problems can happen unexpectedly, so it's vital to carry a reliable means of communication and know how to use it, and let someone ashore know your plans. If you see someone in difficulty at sea, or if you get into trouble yourself, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Bridgita Kelly, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Lough Swilly RNLI, 087 6997680,  [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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