Thu, Apr 10, 2008
Sad Event Led To Creation Of Rescue Service
Late Wednesday morning, the
Wellington, New Zealand-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter service
paid its respects to the 53 people who lost their lives during the
1968 Wahine shipwreck disaster, by flying over Barrett's Reef and
the flotilla commemorating the 40th anniversary.
Life Flight founder Peter Button was one of those who was at
Seatoun Beach, helping passengers come ashore and watching in
horror as the tragedy unfolded. At the time, Button was an amateur
fixed-wing pilot who knew a helicopter would have helped save lives
in that situation and thought "there has to be a better way."
So -- despite being a plumber with no financial backing and no
helicopter's license -- Peter decided the Wellington region needed
a rescue helicopter service and went about setting one up.
"The rescue helicopter and air ambulance services we have in
place today are a true testament to what one man with a vision can
do" says Life Flight General Manager Kevin Allan. "Today, along
with all New Zealanders, our thoughts are with those whose lives
were touched by the tragedy 40 years ago. Perhaps those who lost
loved ones can take some comfort that over 20,000 people have been
helped thanks to events witnessed by one man on April 10,
1968."
Today, Life Flight Trust operates the Wellington-based Westpac
Rescue Helicopter and two fixed-wing air ambulances, one based in
Auckland and one based in Wellington.
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