Against The Odds Mount St. Helens | Still Alive | 4
May 27, 2025
Rescue teams battle thick ash and treacherous conditions to save campers and loggers stranded after the Mount St. Helens eruption. Tensions rise as Sue worries for her injured friends, while a TV reporter grapples with regret. Amid chaos, a helicopter pilot faces a tough choice to break protocol for a life-saving mission. Personal stories reflect on survival, resilience, and the haunting aftermath of nature's fury, emphasizing the emotional journey of both survivors and responders.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sue's Bird Rescue Attempt
- Sue Ruff tried to save an ash-covered swallow after the Mount St. Helens eruption but the bird died from lung damage.
- She was deeply affected, feeling helpless about the devastation and loss of friends.
Unprecedented Eruption Power
- The Mount St. Helens eruption was far more violent than predicted and reshaped the landscape drastically.
- Its force likely exceeded that of atomic bombs, underlining the disaster's unprecedented power.
Loggers Left Behind in Ash
- Logger Jim Shymanke and Leonti Skorodov lay exhausted and badly burned, hoping for helicopter rescue.
- Despite their desperate efforts to flag down help, the helicopter passed them by, leaving them resigned to die.
