104 The Seaview Air Disaster 30 years on
Jaqui Wills, Johanna Brennan, and Naomi Richards are three sisters who lost their parents, younger sister, and brother in the Seaview Air Disaster on October 2, 1994.
Shortly after midday on Sunday, October 2, 1994, an Aero Commander 690 aircraft operated by Seaview Air departed from Williamtown Airport, just north of Newcastle, NSW, en route to Lord Howe Island. On board were the pilot and eight passengers, including Stephen and Carolyn Lake and their children, Judith (18) and Benjamin (12).
Ninety minutes into the journey, the pilot radioed that the aircraft was experiencing severe vibrations and that he was descending to 16,000 feet. Moments later, radio contact was lost. It is believed the aircraft plunged directly into the sea. Despite an extensive search, only scattered pieces of wreckage were recovered, confirming the aircraft was destroyed and all lives were lost.
At the time, Jaqui was 23, Hanna 22, and Naomi 19 years old.
Jaqui, Hanna, and Naomi join Wilderness Conversations to share their memories, experiences, and reflections on this profound tragedy.
New Zealand