In a surprising twist during a Virgin flight from Broome to Perth, an Australian Disney television star, Andre Rerekura, came to the rescue after a snake was spotted in the cabin. His quick actions not only saved the day but also earned him a complimentary drink from the grateful flight crew.
The Unexpected Encounter
On November 21, just before takeoff, chaos erupted when a passenger alerted everyone to the presence of a snake on board. This startling announcement prompted the flight crew to halt preparations and assess the situation. The scheduled departure time of 10:30 AM was delayed as the crew deliberated on how to handle the unusual circumstance.
“They effectively shut down the entire plane, and there was talk of everyone needing to be disembarked, which we weren’t very keen on since everyone wanted to get home,” Rerekura explained in an interview with ABC News.
Flight 1482, which was supposed to leave Broome Airport, experienced a delay of approximately 20 minutes due to the unexpected reptilian visitor. Fortunately for the passengers and crew, Rerekura, known for his role in the Disney Plus series "Shipwreck Hunters Australia," was seated near the front of the aircraft and was ready to take action.
Upon hearing the commotion, Rerekura quickly identified the snake as a Stimson's python, a non-venomous species. “As soon as I saw it, I recognized it right away. I knew it was safe and just frightened,” he remarked, noting that the snake appeared shy rather than aggressive.
Confidently, he approached the creature and managed to pick it up without any issues, effectively removing it from the aircraft. He humorously added, “He was so cute; we probably should have taken him home.”
Grateful Passengers and Crew
The passengers were immensely relieved and expressed their gratitude for Rerekura's bravery. In a lighthearted acknowledgment of his actions, the flight crew presented him with a complimentary drink. The atmosphere on the plane transformed from panic to applause as Rerekura returned to his seat, making the situation even more memorable.
A flight attendant commented over the intercom, "There’s never a dull moment in aviation, but this certainly takes the cake!" She further praised Rerekura for safely handling the snake.
Community Reaction
Jesse Noakes, a co-founder of The Last Place on Earth and an underwater cinematographer, shared a video of the incident, highlighting Rerekura's quick thinking in response to the alarming shouts of fellow passengers. Another video captured the moment when passengers erupted in applause as he re-entered the plane, a testament to his heroism.
A Rare Incident
Stimson's pythons, known for their distinctive pattern of reddish-brown blotches on a paler background, are typically harmless. This incident is not the first of its kind; in January, passengers aboard a Thai AirAsia flight were startled by a snake that appeared in the overhead compartment, creating a similar scene of chaos and surprise.
In both cases, the presence of a snake on an aircraft serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel, where even the most routine journeys can take unexpected turns.
Zainab Y.
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