Donaghadee Lifeboat

Falling overboard is the single biggest cause of workplace fatalities in the fishing industry. In 2021, 10 fishermen tragically lost their lives at sea. Six of these were recorded as man overboard fatalities by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. Seafish is running a Man Overboard Session to help reduce this. The in-water awareness event explains how to reduce the risk in going overboard and what can be done to improve the chances of survival. Participants will experience a man overboard emergency under controlled conditions.

🛟 MAN OVERBOARD AWARENESS DAY 🛟
🗓️ 12 October
📍 National Fisheries College of Ireland, Greencastle , County Donegal
🚘 Travel and subsistence costs can be claimed
🥪 Lunch will be provided
💴 £200 training grant for fishers completing the course

Click here to register: HTTPS://atpportal.seafish.org/registration/sea-fish-industry-authority/1511
📧 OR email [email protected]

The session will cover:
Causes of falling overboard
How to prevent falling overboard
How to improve chance of survival if you do fall overboard
Jumping into the pool with clothes and oilskins on, with and without a personal flotation device on
Practise climbing into a life raft
Practise with the lines, tyres and a ladder to pull you out of the water.

Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat Launches To Fishing Boat Involved In Collision.

Donaghadee Lifeboat volunteers were launched last night, Wednesday 30 September, after reports of a collision between a fishing boat and a cargo vessel.

The crew were paged at 11.20pm on Wednesday evening by HM Coastguard and requested to launch RNLI Lifeboat Macquarie after they received a report that a 24 metre fishing boat had collided with an 88 metre cargo vessel just East of the Copeland Islands.

Under the helm of Coxswain Stephen McComiskey, the lifeboat launched into a South Westerly wind, with good visibility and a slight to moderate sea state they were able to make best speed and be on scene before midnight.

Upon arriving alongside the fishing boat, the crew established communication with the skipper of the fishing vessel who confirmed he was uninjured and there was no pollution caused, The skipper also advised he did not require assistance but requested that the lifeboat crew inspect the exterior of his vessel particularly on the starboard side, where they were able to see that there was obvious damage to the boats stem, but higher than the water line from what they could see, along with scuff marks, which they also reported to HM Coastguard. The skipper of the fishing boat requested to continue course and was grateful for the assistance. The cargo vessel also continued its course.

Following what has been the 17th call out for Donaghadee Lifeboat Volunteers this year, Coxswain Stephen McComiskey commented ‘We were alerted promptly to the situation, and the swift turnout of our volunteer crew proved beneficial, allowing us to provide early assistance to the fishing vessel. Had the circumstances changed or further assistance been required, we were on hand and ready to respond. I would like to thank our volunteer crew for their prompt response and for acting with the professionalism they consistently demonstrate.’

Unfortunately due to the weather forecast tomorrow’s motorbike run has been postponed.

A new date will be announced shortly. Thanks for your understanding!

Spread the word…. 🏍️ 🛟

Motor Bike Ride Out around the Ards Peninsula to raise money for the RNLI!

A word from our Chairman, Peter Sparkes.

Very well said.

Peter Sparkes proudly defends our lifesaving work and speaks out against misinformation In response to the misinformation being shared about the RNLI, Chief Executive Peter Sparkes has shared a statement which may be featured in the press and on social media.

🎶 An Evening of Celtic Music in Donaghadee 🎶

We’re delighted to share details of a very special evening of music in aid of RNLI Donaghadee.

Join us at Donaghadee Golf Club on Friday 11 September at 8pm for an evening with the celebrated world champion McClean Family, following their highly successful appearances at the Fleadh in Belfast.

🎟️ Tickets are £15
👧 Children under 16 just £5
💙 All proceeds will go to RNLI Donaghadee

Tickets are available from Donaghadee Golf Club Bar, the Lifeboat Shop on Shore Street in the afternoons, or from Alan Couser and Evelyn Bennett using the contact details on the poster.

And if you’d like to make a full evening of it, you can also book a meal at the Golf Club beforehand — details are on the poster.

It promises to be a wonderful night of music while supporting our volunteer lifeboat crew and helping the RNLI continue saving lives at sea. We’d love to see plenty of local support! 💙⚓

Please share and help us spread the word.

A wee reminder of this fantastic evening in aid of RNLI Donaghadee 🎶🎶. Should be a great night 🧡💙

🎶 An Evening of Celtic Music in Donaghadee 🎶

We’re delighted to share details of a very special evening of music in aid of RNLI Donaghadee.

Join us at Donaghadee Golf Club on Friday 11 September at 8pm for an evening with the celebrated world champion McClean Family, following their highly successful appearances at the Fleadh in Belfast.

🎟️ Tickets are £15
👧 Children under 16 just £5
💙 All proceeds will go to RNLI Donaghadee

Tickets are available from Donaghadee Golf Club Bar, the Lifeboat Shop on Shore Street in the afternoons, or from Alan Couser and Evelyn Bennett using the contact details on the poster.

And if you’d like to make a full evening of it, you can also book a meal at the Golf Club beforehand — details are on the poster.

It promises to be a wonderful night of music while supporting our volunteer lifeboat crew and helping the RNLI continue saving lives at sea. We’d love to see plenty of local support! 💙⚓

Please share and help us spread the word.

Just a wee reminder of this wonderful fundraiser this Saturday!

Our amazing Community choir in Donaghadee are performing at this fantastic afternoon organised by the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, High Street in aid of the here in the town. We’re so thankful to have such a supportive community, your generosity helping us to save lives at sea is truly appreciated 🧡💙
Minimum donation £5

First Presbyterian Church
High street, Donaghadee
22nd August 2026
2pm - 4pm

🛟 RNLI Fundraisers at the Belfast Fleadh!

This Saturday (8th August), RNLI fundraisers will be out at the Belfast Fleadh carrying out a street collection and raising vital funds to support our volunteer lifeboat crews.

Volunteers from Bangor, Portrush, Newcastle, Larne and Donaghadee RNLI stations will be at the Spirit of Belfast art sculpture on Ann’s street from 10am to 4pm.


If you’re enjoying the Fleadh, please stop by, say hello and give what you can.

Every donation helps the RNLI continue saving lives at sea. 💙
See you at the Fleadh !

https://fleadhcheoil.ie/