‘I was meant to be here’
Helicopter crash mother tells of ‘miracle’ survival
A MOTHER who survived Gold Coast’s Sea World Helicopters crash has spoken of what she thought were her last moments as she prepared to die on the sandbar where the chopper went down.
Winnie de Silva and her son Leon were among three people who survived the midair collision between two choppers on January 2, killing four people instantly.
Ms de Silva has been recovering from her injuries in Gold Coast University Hospital since the tragic day, which included broken limbs, burns and the loss of part of her liver.
Speaking to Sunrise from her wheelchair, Ms de Silva said she remembers the day vividly.
“We heard a bang,” she said.
“When I saw the pilot’s side of the window, it was broken, I could only see outside.
“And then I thought this is not going to be a helicopter ride anymore.”
Ms de Silva said the helicopter started “shaking continuously” and she watched pilot Ash Jenkinson struggle to regain control of the chopper.
“I was only looking at him. “I got Leon’s hand and told him to close his eyes.
“When I closed my eyes there was a peace that came … I can’t remember anything else.”
When Ms de Silva regained consciousness, she was laying underneath the helicopter on the sandbar as people darted around pouring water on her body. Fuel leaking from the aircraft was burning her back.
Ms de Silva thought she was going to die on that sandbar.
“I told them ‘I can’t make it’, they said ‘Winne hold on you’re very brave’.
During the chaos, Ms de Silva’s phone somehow captured audio of her rescuers reassuring her that help was coming.
“They’re coming now, OK? Stay still. Help is coming,” a man can be heard saying.
Mr Jenkinson, British couple Ron and Diane Hughes and Sydney mum Vanessa Tadros died in the crash.
Ms Tadros’ son, Nicholas, survived, but he remains in hospital.
Ms de Silva was rushed to Gold Coast University hospital and Leon was taken to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Rescuers initially thought the nine-year-old didn’t make it, but he showed signs of life after being pulled from the helicopter wreckage.
He was placed in a coma after suffering a brain injury and, while he is now up and walking, the left side of his body is impaired.
Ms de Silva said she still remembers sharing a laugh with her fellow passengers before the helicopter took off.
“I still remember their faces,” she said.
“It was just a miracle I am here.
The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau are investigating the crash and trying to determine what happened.
Ms de Silva said it was important she got answers.
“I still think it’s a miracle … I was meant to be here.”