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A New Zealand couple who were among the first on the scene at Sydney Harbour's fatal boat crash on Wednesday night used veterinary skills to save the lives of stricken passengers.
Nelson vets Sandy and Peter Jackson have been hailed as heroes for their part in tending a critically ill woman just after a HarbourCat Ferry crashed into a 10m private vessel below the Harbour Bridge.
The collision claimed the lives of three people and a 14-year-old girl is still missing.
Eight others were injured including former Olympic ice-skater Liz Cain who had part of a leg amputated.
A Ninemsn website yesterday reported that police would recommend the Jacksons' actions be formally recognised. But the couple were almost embarrassed by the suggestion.
"Absolutely not, there's no heroism in there at all," said Sandy Jackson in Sydney. "We just did what we had to do, you just do it and hope that someone else in the same position would do the same thing for you."
The Jacksons were on the Golden Grove ferry when the accident happened. The ship's skipper asked if anyone on board had any medical experience and could help the survivors.
The Ninemsn site said Mrs Jackson stemmed the blood flow and supported Ms Cain through her ordeal.
The couple head home to Nelson today from their Sydney holiday.
