Captain Sully Thanks NYPD Divers For Role In ‘Miracle On The Hudson’ Rescue
By Movieguide® Contributor
Captain “Sully” Sullenberger recently reunited with the NYPD divers who were part of the impressive 2009 rescue of Flight 1549.
“Thank you for everything you did for us that day,” Sullenberger told divers Michael Delaney, Michael Hendrix and Robert Rodriguez, adding, “They saved people who could have floated away and drowned almost unnoticed otherwise. And I was very concerned about that.”
Delaney replied, “I think if we had 20 opportunities to do it all over again, it wouldn’t have gone as good as the first time we did it.” Rodriguez said, “It’s probably the first time, collectively, a bunch of people from different industries did a gut check, and said, ‘I’m going to act bravely in this moment.’”
“A lot of first responders from that day pitched in to make it their mission to save every life. And fortunately we did,” Sullenberger said.
The day was branded the “Miracle on the Hudson” by New York Governor David A. Paterson, who said, “This is a potential tragedy that may have become one of the most magnificent days in the history of New York City agencies.”
It’s been 15 years since the plane landed on the Hudson River, but the impact of Sullenberger’s bravery is still felt today.
His story was highlighted in the 2016 movie SULLY. Movieguide®’s review reads:
The movie SULLY takes this event and turns it into a tremendous insight into today’s politically correct battles. There are many references to miracles and some references to faith and prayer, but these aren’t the movie’s focus. SULLY stresses that the government can be wrong, the computers can be wrong, the engineers can be wrong, and that, ultimately, the man on the front lines has to determine the action. The acting in SULLY is terrific, and the music is wonderful, under Clint Eastwood’s super-professional directing. Caution is advised for older children because of some foul language and brief air-crash violence.
“This is a reminder of all the people out there who are not corrupt, who are courageous, who are compassionate, they’re doing things, important things, compassionate things all the time. We just don’t know who they all are,” the pilot told CNN of his own act of heroism. “They haven’t been publicly noticed as we were. But that’s a potential that each of us has.”
Movieguide® previously reported on the Miracle on the Hudson:
Former pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III and the passengers he famously saved by landing a commercial flight on the Hudson River in 2009 have reunited to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the event.
“There’s always this strong connection,” said passenger Pam Seagle of the relationship between Sully and herself. “And he is a hugger. He embraces everyone. We have an incredible bond.”
“We’re like extended family,” Sullenberger echoed. “We have become bonded and so I think over the passing years I feel evermore gratitude that we were able to achieve such a good outcome and save every life.”
Sullenberger treasures the connections he has continued to have with the passengers he saved, as well as the impact the miraculous story has had on people over the years.
”This event happened during the 2008/2009 financial meltdown,” he explained. “At a time when we needed it, it gave us hope and reaffirmed our faith in humanity.”
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