We acknowledge Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and give respect to their Elders, past and present.

Read our Statement of Reflection

Your Cart

Your cart is empty right now...

Discover what's on
Your Stuff
Lists
No lists found
Create list
List name
0 Saved items
Updated: a few seconds ago
Getting Started
Get started with Your Stuff

A free Your Stuff account allows you to save, list and share your favourite collection items and articles. This account will give you access to Your Stuff, NFSA Player and Pro. You will need to create an additional account for Canberra event tickets.

Confirm
Skip to main content
National Film and Sound Archive of AustraliaNational Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive

Stuart Diver: It was a miracle

1997

Stuart Diver: It was a miracle

1997

  • NFSA IDEW2P8JNS
  • TypeTelevision
  • MediumMoving Image
  • FormSeries
  • GenresNews
  • Year1997

The dramatic rescue of Stuart Diver is captured in this news item from the television station, NBN 3.

When 3,500 tonnes of rock and mud slid down the side of Thredbo in 1997, it took two ski lodges with it. Australians held their breath, wondering if there were any survivors. After 65 hours in sub-zero temperatures, and with only a small blanket and jacket to keep warm, Stuart Diver was finally pulled from the rubble.

He was the only survivor in a tragedy that claimed the lives of 18 people, including his wife. As this news segment says, 'It was the miracle that few, if any, truly expected'.

This broadcast is very effective in capturing the drama of Stuart Diver's rescue. The editing brilliantly crosses between spokespeople and the scene of the rescue itself, which is effective in building momentum towards the final climactic moment when Diver is seen being conveyed on a stretcher.

The voice-over is informative and creates tension, leading up to Diver being pulled from the rubble, while the cutaways to members of the crowd add pathos and gravitas to the events as they unfold.

The climactic moment is described by reporter Tracy Grimshaw. Given the poor lighting conditions and their distance from the scene because of safety reasons, the camera crew do a remarkable job in capturing the moment.

The dramatic rescue of Stuart Diver is captured in this news item from the television station, NBN 3.

When 3,500 tonnes of rock and mud slid down the side of Thredbo in 1997, it took two ski lodges with it. Australians held their breath, wondering if there were any survivors. After 65 hours in sub-zero temperatures, and with only a small blanket and jacket to keep warm, Stuart Diver was finally pulled from the rubble.

He was the only survivor in a tragedy that claimed the lives of 18 people, including his wife. As this news segment says, 'It was the miracle that few, if any, truly expected'.

This broadcast is very effective in capturing the drama of Stuart Diver's rescue. The editing brilliantly crosses between spokespeople and the scene of the rescue itself, which is effective in building momentum towards the final climactic moment when Diver is seen being conveyed on a stretcher.

The voice-over is informative and creates tension, leading up to Diver being pulled from the rubble, while the cutaways to members of the crowd add pathos and gravitas to the events as they unfold.

The climactic moment is described by reporter Tracy Grimshaw. Given the poor lighting conditions and their distance from the scene because of safety reasons, the camera crew do a remarkable job in capturing the moment.

  • Production company
    NBN 3
Industry professional? Go Pro

Need to license this item? A/V professionals and researchers can shortlist licensing enquiries via our NFSA Pro catalogue search and membership.

Get started with PRO

Collections to explore

  • Landslide

  • Weather news

  • Earthquake

  • Start your own collection

    A free Your Stuff account allows you to save, organise and share your favourite videos, audio and stories.

More in Stories+

Personalized your experience

Save, create and share

With NFSA Your Stuff