Sydney Harbour Bridge Tragedy

I cannot begin to comment on the world; certainly not to comment on any other latest headlines without talking about The Sydney Harbour Bridge Tragedy (as it has been [appropriately] dubbed by the Australian Media).

The human interest side of this story is being embraced by the public and pushed by the media as there is still a young girl missing, presumed dead. The Australian Press in my mind have been brilliant. The coverage has been respectful and names were not released for some time even though they were available (so that friends and family could be informed in advance). The only thing I could think of that would make the British Press behave in such a way would be the threat of legal proceedings if the names were announced.

For those readers of this blog who are not privvy to the coverage of this horrible accident; a brief [who am I kidding] re-cap of the incident is as follows:

At 10.45pm on 27th March (three days ago), a HarbourCat Ferry was returning to dock for the night carrying no passengers, when it collided with and destroyed a much smaller vessel - a 10m pleasure cruiser "Merinda" carrying approx 35 friends back from a conference dinner, under The S H Bridge after some sightseeing.

Three of the passengers have lost their lives and one woman has severe injuries, including loss of one of her legs. The friends and family aboard the domestic cruiser all moved in the circles of Championship Iceskating and the young girl missing is described as a rising iceskating star. I am not using their names as I tell you this, as I feel it is not my place. I did not know them and I am uncomfortable with pretending that I did, but I am so incredibly moved by their terrible accident.

One of the reasons that this has shocked me to the core is because there is speculation as to whether or not the smaller boat had it's lights on. The crash happened directly under the bridge so to not be illuminated seems odd; but moreso I am distress that I have pondered the very question "what happens if..." . Here I find myself with a harrowing answer to my brains perverse quest for knowledge. THIS is what happens if a boat is not seen by a Ferry and is ploughed into. Loss of life and terror on the faces of all who witness it.

One of the passengers that survived this ordeal was aboard the smaller cruiser with his mother at the time of the crash. He dived into the water and stayed with her until rescuers arrived. She is the lady mentioned before that has lost part of her leg. When I saw his face upon his own rescue, I wanted to cry. This young man looked like a small boy. A boy who had just had the experience of saving his mother's life.

It has been reported that at least eight people were taken to hospital, one child was among them and the pictures of his rescue would turn anyone with children's blood cold. A woman in her eighties recieved injuries to her face as she pulled herself to the surface of the water through the shards of the boat. In her Eighties! I am stunned.

Bad things happen, I know that. But this has touched me and pulled at my heart, so I thought I should share. Particularly as I am sure the UK media have omitted it in place of Cats Up Trees and Blair Paint His Front Door Pink or some such.

So, It's not so bad to be me. To be in my safe warm house, passing comment as usual. I really hope you take from this the same sentiment.