Heroic mum Christy King stopped a jungle massacre on PNG’s Black Cat Track

CHRISTY King saw evil when she stared into the eyes of three blood-crazed killers in the Black Cat Track massacre in Papua New Guinea.

CHRISTY King is a reluctant heroine.

The mother-of-three saw evil when she stared into the eyes of three blood- crazed killers in the Black Cat Track massacre in Papua New Guinea ten months ago.

Deep in freezing PNG jungle, she stared down the machete-wielding murderers – and led 17 people out alive.

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Ms King saved the lives of eight Australian trekkers and nine injured porters that deadly night.

And now, she has nominated the five unsung heroes of the Black Cat Track for Pride of Australia medals.

Ms King has told how the group came to her aid when she radioed for help.

The Australian trekkers – some ex-military – had been robbed, bashed and slashed with bush knives and rifle butt.

Two had head wounds, others broken bones, and one was speared through the calf.

Nine of the porters had their legs hacked to the bone in an act of butchery blamed in part on robbery but also on tribal jealousies and violent rivalry over tourism rights to the track.

In the midst of the slaughter, Ms King offered herself as the tour leader and told the killers where to find cash and valuables in a bid to defuse the frenzied savagery.

“It was carnage. Blood everywhere,’’ she said.

She too has been nominated for her outstanding bravery.

“No-one else died on the mountain, we got them all out alive.’’ Ms King said.

“And, the reason everyone stayed alive, was because of the heroic efforts of the rescue team and support network.

“They are the real heroes. Their story has never been told. This is the first time, and the best way, for them to get the recognition they deserve.’’

Ex-Australian Army Captain Tim Vincent and his wife Dannielle, of Wau, who now live in Brisbane, headed the rescue effort from the ground.

PNG Police reservist Danny Hargreaves led the armed rescue force.

He met the trekkers as they tried to hike to safety and slashed a makeshift helicopter landing pad out of thick jungle.

Meanwhile, Ms King’s expat husband Daniel King and friend Wayne Uechtritz today still handle ongoing medical treatment and support for the porters.

“You can never thank anybody enough,’’ said Mrs King.

“I’m indebted to them all for the rest of my life.”

Three porters died as a result of the massacre.

Do you know a local legend? Nominate them for a Pride of Australia medal here. Nominations close on July 29.