Starstruck

The film crew from the ABC TV program 'Four Corners' were recently on island producing a report about a plane accident which occurred here back in 2009 (follow that link to read more).  A complete re-enactment was created and quite unexpectedly all of us were involved, despite the fact that we weren't actually living here when the disaster took place. Being that Ben is actively involved in the VRA (Volunteer Rescue Association), of the four of us he had the biggest part to play. In the role of "Shannon", a past VRA member who no longer resides on NI, Ben got to be on board the boat that made the treacherous trip out to sea on that dark stormy night to pull the survivors from the sea!  

So what part did Harry, Till and I play in this dramatic staged re-creation? Well we were the concerned by-standers of course. It was our job to stand on the pier looking really nervous, concerned and forlorn, followed by obvious relief and admiration when the boat returned carrying the survivors! The camera man focused on Harry quite a bit, so we've decided he is quite masterful at looking worried! He'll be trying out for NIDA any day now! Make sure you keep an eye on the TV guide so you can witness our skillful acting!!! Being that we are a TV-free household, we hope someone will record the program for us.

But not to make light of what happened on that dreadful night almost 3 years ago, the events that occurred were horrendous. It is a miracle the pilot and all passengers on board the plane live to tell their tale. Poor weather and visibility prevented the plane from landing on Norfolk's runway and low fuel supply meant the pilot couldn't journey on. The plane hit the sea, filled with water, then broke in two and sank. The injured passengers floated in the rough open sea for 90 minutes before they were found. Between the six of them they had only three life-vests, and to make matters worse some of them couldn't swim.

I can't even begin to imagine how terrified the passengers must have been. Just witnessing the re-enactment was nerve wracking. I felt quite worried watching Ben's boat being lowered by crane out of sight into the rough sea below to then speed off in total darkness! Once back at the pier, a brave lady actor jumped into the rough swell to show how one of the passengers was dragged onto the boat. I was so afraid for her, I almost needed to shut my eyes! Throughout the whole re-enactment, the sea was far from what I consider calm and the water at this time of the year is cold.

Of course the real hero's are the men and women of Norfolk who helped that night. They put their own lives on the line. If it hadn't been for their quick reaction, I doubt this story would have such a happy ending.

NB I'm sorry these aren't the greatest photos - I had to keep out of the way of the camera crew and if I'd dared to use my flash I think they would have thrown me to the sharks (although I confess I took just a few with the flash when I was certain the camera's weren't rolling).