New Lifeboat ushers in new era for Lough Swilly RNLI

A new state-of-the-art Atlantic 85 class lifeboat has officially gone into service at Lough Swilly RNLI, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the volunteer crew serving Inishowen.

The vessel, named Davdot, arrived at the Buncrana lifeboat station on Wednesday evening (April 8), replacing the long-serving Minnie and Ernest George Barry, which has been a vital rescue asset in the area since 2007.

Shortly after its arrival, volunteer crew members undertook familiarisation training, carrying out their first exercise aboard the new lifeboat to ensure operational readiness.

The Davdot has been generously funded by Surrey-based couple Dorothy and David Robinson, long-time supporters of the RNLI. Their contributions to the charity date back to 2003 and include significant support for lifeboat stations and facilities, most recently funding a new bunkroom at Wandsworth Riverside Lifeboat Station in London.

Speaking about their motivation, Dorothy Robinson paid tribute to her parents’ influence. Her father served as a lieutenant commander aboard the destroyer Indefatigable during World War II, while her mother supported RNLI fundraising efforts in Scarborough. “We both admire the dedication of all the staff and volunteers in the RNLI,” she said, “and have tried to repay that by contributing to their lifeboat stations.”

The new lifeboat has already been officially declared a search and rescue asset by the Irish Coast Guard and will play a crucial role in emergency response across Lough Swilly and surrounding waters.

Over nearly 19 years of service, the Minnie and Ernest George Barry launched 265 times, with volunteer crews rescuing 233 people, five of whom were lives saved, leaving behind a proud legacy in the local community.

The Atlantic 85 is among the fastest vessels in the RNLI fleet, capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 knots. Designed to carry four crew members, it is powered by twin 115-horsepower engines and equipped with advanced radar helping the crew to operate effectively in poor visibility, VHF direction-finding systems, and a full suite of navigation and communication tools. 

Additional features include a searchlight, night-vision equipment, flares for low-light operations, and a manually operated self-righting mechanism, ensuring continued operation even after capsize.

Its robust design also allows the vessel to be safely beached in emergencies without damaging its engines or steering systems, an important feature for challenging coastal rescues.

Joe Joyce, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Swilly RNLI, expressed his gratitude as the new vessel entered service.

“We are extremely grateful to Dorothy and David for their generous donation, which has funded our new lifeboat,” he said. “As we welcome a new lifeboat, there is also a sense of nostalgia as we bid a fond farewell to the Minnie and Ernest George Barry, which provided nearly two decades of reliable service.”

Mr Joyce added that “during its time here at Lough Swilly, the Minnie and Ernest George Barry saved lives and brought many more people safely to shore. We hope the donor’s family will be just as proud as we are of its many achievements.”

“We are looking forward to this new chapter  and to being the custodians of the Davdot, which will allow our volunteers to go on to rescue and save many more lives in the years to come.’        

A formal naming ceremony and service of dedication for the Davdot is expected to take place at the Lough Swilly RNLI base in the near future.

Meanwhile, South Inishowen Councillor Joy Beard has welcomed the arrival of the new, state-of-the-art lifeboat for Inishowen and the wider area. 

“This new lifeboat is a major investment in safety for our coastal communities. The Davdot brings modern technology, greater speed and enhanced performance, ensuring our RNLI crews can reach those in difficulty faster and operate more effectively, even in the most challenging conditions.” 

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The 100% Redress Party councillor also highlighted the importance of the RNLI and its volunteers. “The RNLI provides an essential, lifesaving service, and our local crew at Lough Swilly continues to show extraordinary dedication and bravery. This new lifeboat is a powerful support to them in carrying out that work.”