The sole surviving couple from the Rottnest Island seaplane crash have detailed how the pilot’s safety demonstration on how to open the plane’s emergency exit saved their lives.
Jeremy and Patricia Connor were the only West Australians onboard the Cessna plane when it crashed into the ocean during a Swan River Seaplane-run scenic tour a week ago, killing Sydney-raised pilot James Wong and two international tourists.
The Connors were among four survivors, with the respective partners of the international tourists, from Denmark and Switzerland, also escaping the wreckage. The three victims’ bodies were retrieved from inside the plane by police divers.
The Connors, aged in their 60s, have broken their silence to thank everyone involved in their rescue.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with our fellow passengers, their families and friends. We will be eternally grateful that ourselves and others were able to reach safety,” they said in a statement.
“Looking forward, we know that it could have been an even more tragic outcome, and we sincerely hope that everyone can overcome what happened and heal as time goes by.
“Similarly, our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the pilot, his family, friends and colleagues. We will never forget and will always be grateful that his demonstration of how to open the emergency exit was a critical factor in our survival.”
The Connors also acknowledged the civilian boaters who immediately responded after witnessing the seaplane nosedive into the water around 600 metres offshore. They also thanked paramedics, rangers, police, and staff at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
“We would like to personally thank and express our gratitude for the generous assistance and support that we have received from so many people including members of the public who immediately responded and came to the scene in their boats to selflessly assist in the rescue and transfer the injured to shore,” they said.
“All [who supported us], without exception, were outstanding and you provided an incredibly generous and professional response that made an enormous difference and means so much to us.”
The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, with a preliminary report expected in two months.
“During the water take-off, the aircraft was observed to become airborne then impact the water,” the authority said.
“The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured, and three passengers sustained serious injuries.
“As part of the on-site and evidence collection phase of the investigation, ATSB investigators will examine the aircraft wreckage and other information from the accident site.
“They will also examine recovered components, interview witnesses and any involved parties, examine maintenance records and operator procedures, retrieve and review recorded data, and collect other relevant information.”
Pilot James Wong, 34, was remembered by his girlfriend as a ‘seaplane tragic’ who had a love for adventure.
“His trademark skinny jeans and peace signs will never be forgotten,” she said.
“The loss of James was sudden, unexpected and devastating.”
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