Rescuers of the Miracle on the Hudson, Flight 1549

By admin on January 16th, 2009

Passengers were taken in lifeboats to west Manhattan where they were loaded in ambulances. Photo Credit: Keivom/News

Terror followed by sheer relief - the passengers and crew of US Airways flight 1549 went through an emotional rollercoaster when their Airbus A320 crashed into New York’s Hudson River.

REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Thanks to some fantastic flying by pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the plane came down in one piece and floated long enough for all 155 people to get away safely.

Tama/Getty

Following the ferry boats — the first to arrive — the Fire Department of New York’s marine 1 crew arrived within seven minutes and police were there in four, officials said. EMTs described how the frigid water and 20-degree air stepped up the race against time to get everyone out alive. “If we weren’t there in another few minutes and got them on board and got them warm, they could have died,” said Emergency Medical Services Chief John Peruggia.

FDNY rescue vessels surround the downed plane and tie ropes to prevent it from sinking further. REUTERS/Eric Thayer