SAA crew members back home from Mumbai

Source: Xinhua | 11-30-2008 11:30

JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The remaining seven South African Airways (SAA) crew members stranded in Mumbai, India have arrived back home safely on Saturday, the airline said.

The crew members were stranded in Mumbai amid terrorist attacks which have left more than 195 people dead.

"The flight landed at OR Tambo International Airport in the morning, and all seven were receiving trauma counselling before reuniting with their families," SAA general operations manager Chris Smith said.

"I met the crew members on their return to South Africa and was happy to find them to be a close unit...they have obviously had an incredibly frightening experience, and they are extremely happy to be home," he said.

South African department of foreign affairs spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa said that the department was still in liaison with authorities in Mumbai to verify if there are any other South African tourists still in the Indian city.

"We have received a lot of calls and are busy verifying the data, so we can help all those who may still be in Mumbai," he said.

The first five crew members arrived home on SAA flight SA285 on Friday morning.

SAA was also informed that the airport in Mumbai remained safe and secure and all flights scheduled to Mumbai would continue to operate normally.

Editor:Du Xiaodan