Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 14/01) - A group of mostly Japanese passengers aboard a Boeing 777 diverted into Yellowknife Tuesday afternoon were finally cleared for take-off yesterday at 4:30 p.m.

The plane continued its scheduled trip to Seattle.

United Airlines flight 876, carrying 144 passengers and 16 crew, was originally destined for Seattle, Wash., and Denver, Colo., from Tokyo before news of Tuesday's terrorist attacks and closures of American airports forced them to land here.

According to Al Woods, chief executive director of the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Board, passengers were pleased by the warm welcome extended to them but anxious to get on with their journey.

"Especially the Americans," Woods said. "They wanted to get home and help out."

Most of the passengers -- a small number booked rooms at the Explorer Hotel -- were accommodated at the Canadian Forces' Forward Operating Location during their two-day stopover.

Woods called it a "fair undertaking and good practice experience" for staff and volunteers with the health and social services board who were given the task of carrying for the passengers -- providing bedding, food and counselling for distraught travellers.

"I'm really proud of our staff," said Woods. "They did a super job."

The board also provided diapers, baby formula, and toys for three small children, including a 14-month-old, who were also aboard the aircraft.

The group was also entertained by local performers.

City of Yellowknife staff were also on scene to ensure stranded passengers could enjoy the city while here, offering free bus trips to and from town.

One vows to return

Most passengers expressed gratitude for Yellowknife's hospitality, and a keen interest in the Northern environment.

"I'll never forget this area," said Jack Bove, a retired U.S. navy officer who now lives in Japan. "God willing, I'll be back in this area."

Bove, like other passengers, was fascinated by the Northern Lights, which shone brightly Tuesday night.

"I saw some last night in between drinks. I may not be in a hurry to leave," Bove laughed.

"It was awesome," said Central Washington University student Suni Kim, who also said she enjoyed walking the trails around Frame Lake.

Another passenger, Greg Hillman, told of the passengers' apprehension upon realizing they had been diverted and of a visibly shaken flight crew, stunned by the loss of colleagues aboard two United Airlines flights hijacked and crashed by terrorists the same morning.

"Both pilots came out to chat," said Hillman. "It was clear that it (the attacks) had affected the crew."

Another passenger from Japan, Naoko Heta, said she was worried for a friend in New York during the attack on the World Trade Centre.

"I was very worried for a friend there, we were going to go for a weekend but not now," said Heta.

Her friend, she discovered Wednesday, was "OK."