After five days at sea on the Swiss freighter Celerina, 27 survivors of the crash of the ill-fated Flying Tiger 923 were able to stand on solid ground at the docks of Antwerp.  For those who got off the ship early, homecoming to Antwerp was a total mystery.

Thanks to Teresa Foley of Roseville, California, we can view the docking as it happened. She is the daughter of survivor Air Force M/Sgt Peter Foley, who at that time was a reporter for the Stars and Stripes news in Darmstadt, Germany. Teresa came across her now deceased father’s keepsake box and has provided us photos of the Belgium reception. The photos were taken by the U.S. Air Force.

Scores of international newsmen crowded the dock in Antwerp as the rescue ship Celerina arrived. Many interviewed passengers and sent information to their media sponsors.

Who do you know above?

Almost on land, young paratroopers crowded the railing of the ship to see all that they could see. Can you identify anyone? Let us know.

Survivors exited the ship quickly as none had more than the clothes on their back. That clothing was provided by the crew of the Celerina. New uniforms were provided for the active military and arrangements were made for clothing the women and other

Private Paul Stewart , Ardmore, Oklahoma gets assistance on debarking at Antwerp.

non-military passenger-survivors.

All were provided with food and drink and quarters for the first night in port.

Unfortunately several were unable to leave the ship without assistance. Right, Pvt. Paul Stewart of Ardmore, Oklahoma is being helped by an air force Sergeant who was part of  the reception committee.

Helga Groves, being unable to walk and having been severely traumatized, was carried off the Celerina by stretcher. Helga’s husband, Sgt. John Groves, was lost at sea.  Surviving stewardess Carol Ann Gould  wrote recently that she was with Helga when they were pulled up from the raft to the boat. She said that the ship captain gave the two the use of his cabin. Carol Ann said she had all she could do to keep her from jumping overboard to be with her missing husband.

Carol Ann wrote “I would love to get in touch with her.” Can anyone help? Use the comment section of this site and we will pass the information on.

We are also trying to reach Paul Stewart from Ardmore, Oklahoma (shown in the photo above). If anyone knows Paul or a member of his family, please let us know. You can use the comment section to reply.

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[Editor’s Note: Twenty-one persons were taken from the Celerina before reaching Antwerp: four were taken from the ship by Canadian helicopter to the Canadian aircraft carrier Bonaventure and then to hospitals in Shannon, Ireland on September 24. Seventeen other seriously injured were taken the following day, Sept. 25, by British helicopters by way of Galley Head lighthouse to hospitals in Cork, Ireland.]