DONEGAL councillor Joy Beard has welcomed the arrival of a new, state-of-the-art Atlantic 85 class lifeboat – Davdot – now in service at the RNLI station at Lough Swilly in Buncrana.
Cllr Beard said the advanced features of the Davdot will greatly enhance the ability of volunteer crews to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
“This new lifeboat is a major investment in safety for our coastal communities,” she said.
“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.”
The Atlantic 85 lifeboat is one of the most capable in the RNLI fleet, with a top speed of 35 knots.
It is powered by twin 115 horsepower engines and is equipped with advanced radar, VHF direction-finding equipment, and a full suite of navigation and communication systems.
It also includes night-vision capability and a powerful searchlight, allowing crews to carry out operations in darkness and poor visibility.
Importantly, the vessel is designed with safety at its core, featuring a self-righting mechanism and inversion-proofed engines, meaning it can continue operating even after capsize.
It can also be beached safely in emergency situations without damaging critical systems.
“The level of technology and safety built into this lifeboat is exceptional. It will make a real difference on the ground, or more importantly, at sea, giving crews every possible advantage when responding to emergencies,” Cllr Beard added.
She also highlighted the importance of the RNLI and its volunteers.
“The RNLI provides an essential, lifesaving service, and our local crew at Lough Swilly continue to show extraordinary dedication and bravery.
“This new lifeboat is a powerful support to them in carrying out that work,” she said.
The Davdot has been funded by Dorothy and David Robinson from Surrey, whose generosity will have a lasting impact on the safety of those at sea around Donegal.
The lifeboat will be officially named at a special ceremony and service of dedication at Lough Swilly RNLI in the coming weeks.