Cork woman who  rescued seven fishermen in Bull Rock mission gets bravery award

'The training kicked in, there really isn't time to think' 

Winchman Sarah Courtney is presented with the CHC Excellence Service Award by Eugene Clonan, acting director of the Irish Coast Guard, with Neill McAdam, senior crewman Rescue 117, and Rob Tatten from CHC, airport management, pictured at Waterford Airport. Picture: David Clynch

As night-time approached with waves crashing over the bow of the Ellie Ádhamh, Sarah Courtney managed to get seven fishermen to the safety of a rescue helicopter as the vessel filled with water.

The men were exhausted from efforts over approximately 24 hours to keep the boat from getting overwhelmed, working below deck to salvage the vessel and prevent it from sinking 70 nautical miles west of Bantry Bay near Bull Rock.