On Air Now: Bruce Russell

Tell us what you think:

Talkback 0800 80 10 80
Overseas +64 9 307 1080
Text 9292 or Email Host

Erebus landing hopeful

29/11/2009 18:28:01

There is still a chance the relatives of Mt Erebus victims visiting Antarctica will be able to set foot on the crash site.

Six family members have been at Scott Base commemorating the 30th anniversary of the tragedy in which their loved ones were among the 257 people who died when Air New Zealand sightseeing flight TE901 crashed into the mountain. Earlier they flew over the crash site but were not able to land because of strong winds.

Scott Base spokesman Simon Trotter says a landing is looking hopeful for tomorrow because forecast snow and strong winds didn't eventuate yesterday. He says there is a clearance to fly at the moment but an assessment will be made tomorrow morning as to whether they can or not.

Today the relatives were taken on excursions to the the huts of explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shakleton, some 25-35 kilometres from Scott Base.

Pip Collins, daughter of Erebus pilot Jim Collins says the trip to Antarctica has gone some way towards the healing process. Ms Collins says being able to share her grief with other families is something she will remember forever. She says the tragedy casts a very long shadow, which she does not think will ever fully disappear.

Ms Collins says it has certainly helped being in Antarctica, and seeing things first hand.

Share this Article:
Bookmark and Share

Related Audio

Paul Holmes Comment 28th Nov
Sunday, 29 November 2009 09:38 +1200

Newstalk ZBs Paul Holmes remembers the 28th Nov 1979, the day Air New Zealand flight TE901 crashed on Mt Erebus and 257 lives were lost.also Dame Margaret Bazleys report into legal aid.

> Listen

Paul Holmes talks with John Blumsky
Sunday, 29 November 2009 09:38 +1200

Newstalk ZB host Paul Holmes talks with former Radio New Zealand Senior Journalist John Blumsky, the sole broadcast journalist to report live from Antarctica during the aftermath of the Erebus disaste

> Listen

Related Stories

Airline will talk Govt about Erebus trips
01/12/2009 10:16:02

Further trips to Erebus for families of victims will depend on Govt says Air NZ which plans to hold talks when PM returns from overseas

> Read More

Erebus memorial service cancelled
30/11/2009 9:56:02

High winds force the cancellation of final attempt to hold memorial service on Mt Erebus for victims of 1979 crash; relatives returning to Chch

> Read More




View All NZ Latest

Robin Brooke says sorry for Fiji incident

Robin Brooke apologises for his unacceptable behaviour towards a 15-year-old girl in Fiji. Brooke to undergo counseling.

Read More

Financial markets

NZX50 3,076; Telecom $2.28; NZ$=68.42 USc, 79.10 Aust, 50.06 euro, 61.15 yen, 43.89p; 90 day rate 2.78%; TWI 63.69

Read More

Nine months added to escapee's sentence

Prison escapee Kevin Polwart will now not be eligible for parole until the end of next year, with nine months added to his sentence

Read More

SPCA makes crayfish games "inoperable"

The Auckland SPCA has visiting pubs sporting controversial Catcha Cray games and made the machines inoperable

Read More