-
View of Mt Erebus - Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
On November 28, 1979, 257 people were killed at Mount Erebus in New Zealand's worst air crash.
After 30-years the tears still flow as Erebus and its aftermath have taken a huge toll on those closest to the tragedy.
It was an emotional service in the Scott Base dining room as the six surviving family members selected to attend the memorial listened as Air New Zealand apologised once again.
"The airline made mistakes, and undoubtedly let down people directly affected by this tragedy," says Dave Morgan from Air New Zealand.
It followed the disappointment of Friday when the six were flown to the crash site but could not land because of strong winds.
"A touch of disappointment there, but still the experience was amazing so I feel good about it," says Carmen MacKenzie who lost her Grandparents in the crash.
There is a chance they may go Monday if the weather improves, but just seeing it has helped.
"It was just wonderful, I think the fact that the wreckage was covered over is quite a nice feeling really" says David Allan who lost his parents and sister on the flight.
At 12.50 on Saturday, the time the DC10 crashed, there was two minutes silence.
It was bitterly cold on the Antarctic ice, a reminder of just how harsh the place can be.
They stood where many Scott Base staff used to back in the 70s, watching as Air New Zealand's scenic flights went by.
For six people who had never met before the last three days have given them a sense of unity.
"We have all been supporting each other looking out for each other. Before this weekend we never met anybody who'd lost someone in the accident," says Fran Kell, the daughter of one of the passengers on the flight.
There was no sign of the mountain on Saturday but being so close has helped.
"Tragedy cast a very long shadow which I don't think will ever fully disappear but it helped being here seeing it first hand," says Pip Collins the daughter of the pilot.
Like those who died, this anniversary will never be forgotten.
