Sarah Donohue, a renowned powerboat racer, shares the highs and lows of her adrenaline-fueled career, spanning from starring in a James Bond movie to surviving three resuscitations following a near-fatal crash.
Commencing her journey as an offshore powerboat racer in 1993, Sarah, also a registered HSE diver and marine stunts specialist, later ventured into testing extreme sports for television programs.
Embracing a wide spectrum of stunts, she fearlessly engaged in activities such as parachuting from planes, cliff diving, and even participating in lawnmower races. Her daring exploits earned her a place in numerous films and TV shows.
While Sarah harbors a deep love for her career, she acknowledges its inherent dangers, having endured multiple injuries and come perilously close to losing her life.
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Reflecting on the safety protocols in her line of work, the 52-year-old Londoner emphasizes, “Stunts are as safe as they can be because everyone is an expert at what they do, and they are there to make sure they get the shot and that the stunt person is safe.” Stressing the meticulous planning involved, she adds, “Everything is calculated and nothing is left to chance.”
Sarah draws a crucial distinction between the powerboats integral to her profession and pleasure boats, cautioning against their misuse due to potential life-changing consequences.
Recounting a traumatic powerboat accident in Italy, she reveals the extent of her injuries, including a fractured skull, titanium plates in her face, and lingering numbness. The laundry list of injuries includes broken ribs, dislocated shoulders, a fractured wrist, and the loss of several teeth.
Despite the severity, Sarah maintains her sense of humor, noting, “I also lost several teeth, however, I didn’t break a nail.”
In the face of such adversity, Sarah’s resilience shines through. She recounts the gravity of her accident in Italy, where she drowned, suffered cardiac arrest, and underwent resuscitation three times before being airlifted to a hospital in Venice.
The situation was dire enough to prompt a call to her parents, warning them of the possibility that she might not survive the night. In response, her mother promptly flew out while her father stayed home with her brothers.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Sarah’s indomitable spirit prevailed, leading to remarkable opportunities. Undeterred by the dangers she faces, she states, “I’m an HSE [health and safety executive] qualified diver, with only 3% of commercial divers being women worldwide.”
Specializing in a diverse range of marine stunts, I proudly hold a commercial license, enabling me to legally contribute to the dynamic world of film and TV. I am frequently summoned for precision driving on water, contributing to various projects behind the scenes.
My involvement goes beyond the camera, prioritizing safety on shows like Jack Osbourne’s ‘Adrenaline Junkie’ in Dubai, where I ensure a secure environment for intense activities.
In reflecting on my multifaceted career, I recall my early experiences, including my debut in ‘The Prince and the Pauper’ alongside Oliver Reed. Over the years, I’ve embraced unique challenges, from doubling for Pamela Anderson in a beer commercial to featuring prominently in the iconic 007 movie ‘The World is Not Enough.’ A standout moment was orchestrating the opening boat chase sequence down the Thames, just a brief five-minute bike ride from my flat in Soho.
Transitioning from modeling in campaigns for Marks and Spencer and regular appearances on This Morning, I seamlessly embraced watersports, particularly powerboat racing, since 1993. Acknowledging the physical toll of racing small boats in turbulent seas, I compare it to facing the intensity of a bout with Mike Tyson. Despite the challenges, my love for the sport prevailed, even as a smaller competitor enduring the rough waters.
As one of the few women in my field, I’ve never allowed gender to impede my progress. Eager to inspire young women, I emphasize the hurdles in physically demanding professions, like commercial diving, where equipment can be cumbersome.
I express gratitude for the unwavering support and assistance I’ve received from male counterparts, highlighting that their strength ensures my safety and adds to my professional fulfillment. As I put it, “It’s not patronizing to be helped by a man who essentially is stronger. They are keeping me safe and free from injury. It makes me love what I do and makes me know I am always in professional hands.”
In a career predominantly occupied by men, such as offshore powerboat racing, I commend organizations like the British Powerboat Racing Club for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
Emphasizing my positive experiences, I note, “For those women reading this, if you want to try a different career but you see it as male-dominated, my advice is to ‘go for it’. You will be amazed at the reaction and the reward of accomplishment and the new friends you make. I wouldn’t swap my world for anyone. Be a leader and role model for other females.”
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