By Mary-Anne McNulty

maryanne@inishtimes.com

Lough Swilly RNLI is inviting the Inishowen public to the christening of their new two-tonne ‘baby’ – the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat.

The Inishowen-based station is the first in the Republic to receive the state-of-the-art vessel, which was introduced to the RNLI fleet less than two years ago.

Liam McGee, lifeboat operation manager, said: “We are delighted to be the first station in the Republic to have the new Atlantic 85 and I would like to extend an invitation to all members of the public to join us for the naming ceremony at Ned’s Point on April 5.

“Our volunteer crew members make a major commitment and they deserve nothing less than the best lifeboat equipment available.”

Measuring a whopping 8.3 metres in length and weighing 1.97 tonnes, the Atlantic 85 boasts a 35-knots speed capacity, radar, provision for a fourth crew member, and has more space for casualties.  

The addition to the fleet is a welcome boost for the Lough Swilly RNLI which last year launched 28 times and rescued 11 people.

The 200,000-euro boat comes courtesy of a rich English benefactor.

The late Mrs Minnie Barry of Middlesex bequeathed a share of her estate to the RNLI expressing a wish that her bequest be used to fund a lifeboat to be named in memory of her husband.

The Minnie and Ernest George Barry will be named at a special ceremony at Ned’s Point on Saturday, April 5 at 2.30pm.