Workhorse - E47 - 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami with Charlie Siedentopf

On 26 December 2004, an earthquake measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale struck north of Simeulue Island in the Indian Ocean. The earthquake lifted an estimated 30 cubic kilometres of water which radiated from the epicentre devasting coastal communities around the Indian Ocean. Banda Aceh was hardest hit, and the RAAF responded immediately.

This episode features 36 Squadron pilot Charlie Siedentopf who flew one of the first two RAAF C-130s into Banda Aceh. He recounts the devastation, suffering and urgency to help the thousands of disaster victims.

Charlie also relates his experience as C-130 Detachment Commander in Iraq 2004 and as part of the C-130H crew that was struck by ground fire near Baghdad, killing passenger Jospeph Arguelles.