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Hudson incident ‘a triumph for transport workers’ professionalism’
19 Janeiro 2009
The ITF today added its voice to the chorus of praise for the US Airways crew who brought a disabled aeroplane down safely into New York’s Hudson River, saving the lives of all onboard.
Faced with complete loss of power following a suspected ‘bird strike’ and at an altitude of just 3,000 feet, the pilot, Captain Chesley Sullenberger, made the split second decision to land on water rather than try for the nearest airport and risk hitting packed buildings. He then pulled off a flawless landing on the river, buying sufficient time for all the passengers to be safely taken off by boat.
David Cockroft, ITF General Secretary, said: “The aviation world and beyond has applauded not just the incredible nerve and competence shown here by the pilot and co-pilot but also the professionalism of the cabin crew, who calmly helped them into lifejackets and onto the inflatable slides, and then stuck with them as they were plucked from the approaching and freezing water by boat and ship.”
He continued: “The whole operation is a litany of calm and courage and people working together: the crew, the air traffic controllers and then those on the vessels themselves. We were heartened to see the Coast Guard publicly recognising the key role played by the ferries on the river in helping save these lives alongside its own personnel and the emergency services.”
A Coast Guard spokesperson told Fairplay Daily News: “Several ferry captains diverted course and arrived at the downed plane even before Coast Guard, fire-rescue and police boats got there. They likely saved lives and certainly saved the plane's passengers from further injury.”
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