Sligo winchman Gary is honoured for the rescue of a fisherman in Donegal

A Sligo based winchman\ paramedic Gary Robertson has been honoured for his rescue of a fisherman.

Gary, who operates at the Irish Coast Guard Sligo helicopter base at Sligo Airport in Strandhill, was presented with the Billy Deacon Award by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

It is the first time this award has included nominations from SAR Ireland.

The award is presented to winch crew for exceptional bravery during a rescue. In this case it was awarded to Gary for the rescue of a fisherman off Aranmore Island, Co Donegal, in 2015.

After arriving on scene at Innishinny island after being alerted to a sinking lobster vessel by locals, Gary was lowered to the sinking boat and was forced to cut the fisherman free after he became entangled in deck gear.

The vessel sank immediately after the casualty was recovered in to the helicopter.

Gary was presented with the Michael Heffernan Gold Medal for Marine Gallantry by Minister Shane Ross last year for the same action.

Gary is pictured right with the award with his colleagues from the IRCG helicopter service.