Crashed in the Canadian Wilderness | The Bonds Forged by Wapiti 402 | 4

Jan 21, 2025

Carol Shaben, daughter of Wapiti 402 crash survivor Larry Shaben and author of "Into the Abyss," shares the haunting story of the 1984 crash and its profound impact on its survivors. She explores the emotional aftermath and the deep friendships forged amidst tragedy. Al Woodworth, managing editor for Amazon Books, chimes in with compelling book recommendations that resonate with themes of survival and resilience. Together, they reflect on how experiences shape lives and the importance of connection through shared adversity.

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ANECDOTE

Crash Discovery

Carol Shaben, a journalist in Jerusalem, read a small article about a plane crash.
The article mentioned her father, Larry Shaben, as one of four survivors.

INSIGHT

Delayed Sharing

Larry Shaben avoided discussing the crash for 20 years.
Carol believes his illness and her career change prompted him to share his story.

ANECDOTE

Unexpected Hero

Paul Archambault, a prisoner on the plane, became a national hero for saving lives.
Despite the attention, he remained humble, acknowledging he "just did what anyone would do."

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The Wager

David Grann

The Wager by David Grann tells the gripping story of the HMS Wager, a British warship that met its tragic end during the War of Jenkins' Ear. The book delves into the harrowing experiences of the survivors who endured months of isolation on a desolate island, facing hunger, illness, and interactions with indigenous inhabitants. After constructing a makeshift vessel, the survivors embarked on a perilous journey to Brazil and Chile, only to return to England with conflicting stories of mutiny, treachery, and murder. Grann's narrative explores the nature of truth and the power of stories, using firsthand accounts to recreate the events and their historical significance. The book also examines the broader context of British imperialism and the moral compromises made by the crew and the empire[1][3][5].

Into the Abyss

Carol Shaban

Dear Edward

Ann Napolitano

In 'Dear Edward', Ann Napolitano tells the story of Edward Adler, a 12-year-old boy who survives a plane crash that kills 191 others, including his family. The novel follows Edward's journey as he grapples with the loss of his loved ones, survivor's guilt, and the challenge of rebuilding his life. Edward becomes a celebrity due to the crash, but he finds solace in his friendship with his neighbor Shay. The story alternates between Edward's present and the past narratives of the other passengers on the flight, providing a deep and emotional exploration of grief, hope, and the human spirit. With the help of supportive characters, including his aunt, uncle, and a psychologist, Edward slowly begins to heal and find a new path in life. The novel is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale of resilience and the importance of human connections in the face of tragedy.

They Called Me a Hero

Paul Archambault

Drowning

The Rescue of Flight 1421

T.J. Newman

In *Drowning*, T.J. Newman crafts an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Six minutes after takeoff, Flight 1421 crashes into the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the plane sinking to the bottom with twelve passengers trapped inside. Engineer Will Kent and his eleven-year-old daughter Shannon are among those fighting for their lives more than two hundred feet below the surface. The rescue operation, led by Chris Kent—Shannon’s mother and Will’s soon-to-be ex-wife—must navigate the treacherous underwater environment to save the trapped passengers before time and air run out.