Kaylah Walton
On November 21, 2023, a peculiar situation unfolded on Virgin Airlines flight VA1482, which was en route from Broome to Perth, Australia. The flight experienced a delay when passengers discovered a snake onboard.
The situation took a turn for the better due to the swift actions of a noteworthy passenger: Andre Rerekura, an Australian TV star known for his role in the Disney+ series Shipwreck Hunters Australia.
The Quick Response of the Australian Celebrity
Rerekura, a cinematographer for the show, encountered a Stimson’s python, a harmless snake that somehow found its way into the aircraft cabin.
In an interview with ABC Australia, Rerekura shared, “Honestly, I thought the snake was ‘cute’.”
However, amid rising panic in the cabin, he immediately took action upon hearing a woman’s scream and noticing the snake near his feet.
“Everyone was in disbelief and ready to evacuate,” Rerekura recounted. “No one wanted that because we all just wanted to reach our destination. It was such an odd situation that some couldn’t accept there was actually a snake on the flight.” Stepping up, he calmly captured the snake and took it outside the plane.
Passengers Celebrate Rerekura’s Heroism
“Everyone seemed relieved that an evacuation wasn’t necessary, and many were glad the snake was unharmed,” the TV host commented.
A video shared by Rerekura on his Instagram shows passengers cheering as he celebrated post-rescue. A flight attendant humorously remarked over the intercom, “There’s never a dull moment in aviation.”
In recognition of his bravery, Virgin Australia rewarded him with a complimentary drink.
“The crew was fantastic. They treated me to a soda water; it was quite amusing,” he joked.
According to Virgin Australia, the snake was indeed non-venomous, and after Rerekura’s quick actions, the flight resumed without further issues, showcasing how an unexpected hero can change a tense situation.
