Couple thanks rescuers

FIVE years after they survived a dramatic plane crash, Leopold’s Miffy and Doug Smith have shown rescuers their long-lasting appreciation.

The couple were passengers on the seaplane that crashed into Corio Bay in 2013, about 50m from Cunningham Pier.

“It’s five years this month, and Doug and I have always been too ill or in hospital to do anything about giving them (the rescuers) something to thank them for what they’ve done,” Mrs Smith said.

Yesterday, they presented their three rescuers — Geelong Yacht Club marina manager Paul Walters; Mat Ash, who was an assistant marina manager with the club at the time; and Mark Morrissy, who was volunteering with the club — trophies to show their appreciation.

The moving moment had Mr Walters reliving the day of the crash.

“We went out there (to the scene) not knowing what to expect,” he said.

“When we got over there, Miffy and Doug were already out of the plane.

“The pilot had pulled them out.”

The men pulled Mr and Mrs Smith onto the boat and brought them to the pier, he said, where emergency services were waiting.

“You just don’t expect it, it was just an unfortunate incident,” Mr Walters said.

“We were all pretty much out on the water anyway, me, Mat and Mark ... it was just a matter of getting there as quick as we could and getting them to shore.

“It’s something that Miffy and Doug appreciate, and they like seeing us at least once a year.”

The traumatic incident still haunts Mrs Smith.

“I still can’t deal with water at all ... you wake up with nightmares,” Mrs Smith, 68, said.

“I tried to get over it but it’s just not happening.”

Mr Smith, 84, has had ongoing health issues since the crash.

“It’s all gone downhill since (the crash),” Mrs Smith said.

“Then my health started to deteriorate. It’s just been hideous, I mean hideous ... but anyway, I’m all right today, I’m upright and laughing and I’m here.”

Mrs Smith said seeing the trio of rescuers yesterday was “great”.

“I wouldn’t be here without them,” she said.