Killybegs Coast Guard

29/09/2026

🛶 A Happy Ending for a Missing Kayak! 🌊

We are delighted to report that the kayak which was recently found adrift at sea by a local fishing vessel and kindly handed over to our Coast Guard unit has now been safely returned to its owner.
The owner, who lives locally and was not too far away, was unaware that the kayak had gone missing in the first place!
A big thank you once again to the fishing vessel and crew for keeping a good watch, spotting the kayak adrift and taking the time to bring it safely ashore and hand it over to us. This is another example of the cohesion between ourselves and the fishing community working closely together. We are always grateful to them for their help, support and encouragement.

Thankfully, this one had a happy ending. We would encourage all kayak owners to make sure their kayaks are stored securely and in a suitable location, particularly when not in use, to prevent them from becoming a hazard at sea.

🛶 Secure it, store it safely, and know where your kayak is!

27/09/2026

Killybegs Coast Guard wish to thank a local fishing vessel and crew for their vigilance while at sea, spotting an unmanned kayak drifting offshore and taking the time to safely recover it and hand it over to us in Killybegs Harbour.

Their good watchkeeping and quick action are a great example of how everyone on the water can play an important part in keeping others safe.

We really appreciate their help and cooperation. Thank you for keeping a good watch and looking out for others at sea.

If you know of anyone missing a kayak please message the page so we can return it to its rightful owner. Please be vigilant when storing your kayaks so they don’t pose a threat to other seafarers and have them secured safely in a suitable location.

If you see anyone in difficulty on or near the water please don’t hesitate to call 112/999 and ask for the Coast Guard.

14/09/2026

Yesterday Killybegs Coast Guard took part in a search exercise in Donegal Bay with the Irish Coast Guard Fixed-Wing Aircraft based in Shannon - Callsign CG/120 F. The search was coordinated by MRSC Malin and consisted of the Killybegs CG boat crew deploying a mannequin approximately 6 nautical miles offshore. Based on the location of the casualty MRSC Malin designated a search box using four coordinates and CG/120 F commenced a search of that area. Throughout the exercise the Killybegs Coast Guard crew maintained radio communication with the Fixed-Wing and provided any assistance required. Following a search of the area the casualty was located and the position given to the boat crew.The exercise concluded with CG/120 F doing a low flyover over the casualty to simulate the deployment of a liferaft. The casualty was recovered and both the air crew and boat crew returned to their bases. Exercises like these are invaluable to all parties involved for when their services are called upon in real life scenarios. Killybegs Coast Guard would like to thank CG/120 F and MRSC Malin for their involvement in the exercise.

10/09/2026

🛟 Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Seán Canney, is reflecting on a busy summer period for the Irish Coast Guard, and other emergency services.

The second week of July saw the busiest ever single week for the Coast Guard, with a record 140 incidents through that week. This highlights the scale of demand put on emergency services this summer.

🗣️ Minister Canney:
“The prolonged periods of warm weather throughout the summer brought increased traffic to our beaches and waterways, and in tandem, an increase of incidents. Through its leadership and coordination of Ireland's maritime search and rescue, the Coast Guard, together with its partner life-saving organisations, has once again demonstrated the dedication, professionalism and coordinated response capability that help keep Ireland's coastline safe”

📞 If you see somebody in difficulty in the water or along the coast or think they are in difficulty, use marine VHF channel 16, or dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/minister-canney-reflects-on-an-exceptionally-busy-summer-for-the-irish-coast-guard/

04/09/2026

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of your local Coast Guard unit? Now is your chance to come along, meet the team and see our facilities and equipment.

We are inviting members of the public who may be interested in joining our Coast Guard family to come along, have a look around, ask questions and find out what volunteering with us is all about. It’s happening this coming Wednesday September 9th beginning at 7 pm at our premises on the new pier in Killybegs Harbour.

Whether you have experience or none at all, there are many different roles where you can learn new skills, challenge yourself and, most importantly, help others in their hour of need.
Come along, meet the crew, see what we do and discover how you could become part of our team.

31/08/2026

26/08/2026

24/08/2026

A good day climbing training.

Yesterday, our unit enjoyed a successful outdoor climbing day at Sail Rock, Sliabh Liag. Everyone took on different roles, supported one another and worked together as a team, building skills and confidence while keeping our equipment and teamwork ready for future call-outs.

We finished the day with a delicious barbecue. Thank you to everyone who helped prepare the feast, took part and gave up their Sunday to make the day such a success.

We’ll be holding an open night on September 9th from 7–9 pm. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Coast Guard volunteer, come along to meet the team, tour the station and learn more about what we do.

After several busy weeks of call-outs, we’re grateful to our volunteers for always being ready to serve the community.

If you see anyone in danger on the cliffs, shore or water, call VHF Channel 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Teamwork, training, friendship and community — that’s what it’s all about. 💙

12/08/2026

We at Killybegs Coast Guard Unit wish to express our sincere condolences to the entire family circle of the late Noreen and James Mc Hugh who so tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident.

It is impossible to find words that can ease the pain of such a devastating loss, particularly when a family is faced with losing two loved ones at the same time.
At this incredibly difficult time, we stand with their family and all those who knew and loved them. May they find strength and comfort in the love and support of their family, friends and the wider community.

May They Rest In Peace 🙏