‘I do what I like': Ethel, 115, is the world's oldest living person
A 115-year-old British woman born in the Edwardian era has become the world's oldest living person.
Ethel Caterham, who was born in 1909, is the oldest-known Briton to ever live and the last surviving subject of Edward VII.
She is now the world's oldest person after the previous record-holder, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, died at the age of 116 on April 30.
Caterham, who lives at a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, previously said, 'I do what I like', when asked what she credits for her longevity.
'Never arguing with anyone, I listen, and I do what I like,' she said last year after turning 115.
According to LongeviQuest and the Gerontology Research Group, research organisations that verify ages for the Guinness World Records, she is now the world's oldest person.
Born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, on August 21, 1909, Caterham was raised in Tidworth, Wiltshire, as the second youngest of eight children.
Aged 18, she became an au pair to a military family in British India before returning to England three years later, where in 1931 she met her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Norman Caterham.
They married at Salisbury Cathedral, where he had been a choirboy, in 1933.
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Sky News AU
3 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Only surviving Air India passenger Vishwash Kumar Ramesh says plane felt 'stuck' as he reveals how he escaped burning wreckage
The only survivor of the Air India crash has described how the plane felt "stuck" seconds after takeoff before it struck a medical college hostel and exploded in a fireball. Speaking from his hospital bed hours after one of worst aviation disasters claimed at least 290 lives, including his brother's, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh said they had been in the air for five to ten seconds when something did not feel right. "It felt like the plane was stuck. It felt like something had happened," he told local Indian media, adding a green and white light then turned on in the cabin. "The pilot was trying to give it a bit of a push it forward but it was struggling." Mr Ramesh's survival has been labelled a miracle. He was one of 242 passengers and crew who boarded the plane in Ahmedabad bound for London. But he would be the only one to climb out of the wreckage alive. "Everything happened in front of my eyes. I still can't believe myself how I came out alive. For a little while I thought I was going to die," the 40-year-old father said. "But when I opened my eyes I realised I was alive. So I tried to escape. I pulled out the belt from under my seat and tried to escape (but couldn't). Then I managed to do it. "I saw others and the air hostess in front of me who couldn't escape." Mr Ramesh was seated in 11A, according to his boarding ticket, an emergency exit row behind business class, which is towards the front of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. According to local police, he survived by jumping from the plane. It was not clear on Friday if Mr Ramesh managed to jump out before the plane made impact. But the British national elaborated further about his escape, saying his side of the plane had crash landed on the ground floor of the medical hostel. "I don't know about the other side but it was open on this side," Mr Ramesh recalled. "As soon as the door broke, I could see that it was open for me and I had a chance to get out. Then I managed to get out. But the opposite side (of the plane), the wall of the building would have blocked people and nobody would have been able to get out. "It was really only on my side where there was space to get out." Mr Ramesh suffered burns to his hands and bruising to other parts of his body. A local doctor said he is "out of danger". He could be discharged from hospital in coming days. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mr Ramesh at hospital where the pair discussed what had happened and the survivor's health. The leader was also taken to the crash site in the state of Gujarat to survey the damage. The plane's black box containing the flight data recorded has been recovered. But the other one, which records the cockpit conversations, has not been located. Both black boxes will be crucial for investigators to determine what happened. In the meantime, Air India has been ordered by the country's aviation regulator to carry out further "maintenance actions" across its fleet of Boeing 787-8/9s after the crash. The United States' National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team to help India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Sole survivor of Air India plane crash recounts ordeal
The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash that killed more than 240 people says he hardly believed he was alive, as he recounted seeing others dying near him as he escaped out of a broken emergency exit. Ramesh Viswashkumar, who police said was in seat 11A near the emergency exit and managed to squeeze through the broken hatch, was filmed after Thursday's crash limping on the street in a blood-stained T-shirt with bruises on his face. That social media footage of Viswashkumar, a British national of Indian origin, has been broadcast across India's news channels since the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner erupted in a ball of fire after it plummeted onto a medical college hostel moments after taking off from Ahmedabad. It was the worst aviation disaster in a decade and his escape is being hailed as the "miracle of seat 11A" in the British media. "I don't believe how I survived. For some time I thought I was also going to die," 40-year-old Viswashkumar told Indian state broadcaster DD News from his hospital bed on Friday. "But when I opened my eyes, I realised I was alive and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape from where I could. It was in front of my eyes that the air hostess and others (died)." He was travelling with his brother Ajay, who had been seated in a different row, members of his family have said. "The side of the plane I was in landed on the ground, and I could see that there was space outside the aircraft, so when my door broke I tried to escape through it and I did," Viswashkumar said. "The opposite side of the aircraft was blocked by the building wall so nobody could have come out of there." Viswashkumar suffered burns and bruises and has been kept under observation, an official at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad told Reuters by phone, requesting anonymity. "His escape ... and without any grievous injury, was nothing short of a miracle. He also realises that and is a bit shaken by the trauma of it too," the official said. Police said some people at the hostel and others on the ground were also killed in the crash. Viswashkumar said the plane seemed to come to a standstill in midair for a few seconds shortly after take-off and the green and white cabin lights were turned on. He said he could feel the engine thrust increasing but then the plane "crashed with speed into the hostel". At the family home in Leicester, central England, Viswashkumar's cousin Hiren Kantilal said they had spoken with him via video call that morning and relatives were urgently trying to make arrangements to travel to India. Asked about Viswashkumar's brother, Kantilal said: "We can't describe in the words, we are totally heartbroken." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in his home state of Gujarat to visit the crash site, met Viswashkumar in hospital on Friday. The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash that killed more than 240 people says he hardly believed he was alive, as he recounted seeing others dying near him as he escaped out of a broken emergency exit. Ramesh Viswashkumar, who police said was in seat 11A near the emergency exit and managed to squeeze through the broken hatch, was filmed after Thursday's crash limping on the street in a blood-stained T-shirt with bruises on his face. That social media footage of Viswashkumar, a British national of Indian origin, has been broadcast across India's news channels since the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner erupted in a ball of fire after it plummeted onto a medical college hostel moments after taking off from Ahmedabad. It was the worst aviation disaster in a decade and his escape is being hailed as the "miracle of seat 11A" in the British media. "I don't believe how I survived. For some time I thought I was also going to die," 40-year-old Viswashkumar told Indian state broadcaster DD News from his hospital bed on Friday. "But when I opened my eyes, I realised I was alive and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape from where I could. It was in front of my eyes that the air hostess and others (died)." He was travelling with his brother Ajay, who had been seated in a different row, members of his family have said. "The side of the plane I was in landed on the ground, and I could see that there was space outside the aircraft, so when my door broke I tried to escape through it and I did," Viswashkumar said. "The opposite side of the aircraft was blocked by the building wall so nobody could have come out of there." Viswashkumar suffered burns and bruises and has been kept under observation, an official at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad told Reuters by phone, requesting anonymity. "His escape ... and without any grievous injury, was nothing short of a miracle. He also realises that and is a bit shaken by the trauma of it too," the official said. Police said some people at the hostel and others on the ground were also killed in the crash. Viswashkumar said the plane seemed to come to a standstill in midair for a few seconds shortly after take-off and the green and white cabin lights were turned on. He said he could feel the engine thrust increasing but then the plane "crashed with speed into the hostel". At the family home in Leicester, central England, Viswashkumar's cousin Hiren Kantilal said they had spoken with him via video call that morning and relatives were urgently trying to make arrangements to travel to India. Asked about Viswashkumar's brother, Kantilal said: "We can't describe in the words, we are totally heartbroken." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in his home state of Gujarat to visit the crash site, met Viswashkumar in hospital on Friday. The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash that killed more than 240 people says he hardly believed he was alive, as he recounted seeing others dying near him as he escaped out of a broken emergency exit. Ramesh Viswashkumar, who police said was in seat 11A near the emergency exit and managed to squeeze through the broken hatch, was filmed after Thursday's crash limping on the street in a blood-stained T-shirt with bruises on his face. That social media footage of Viswashkumar, a British national of Indian origin, has been broadcast across India's news channels since the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner erupted in a ball of fire after it plummeted onto a medical college hostel moments after taking off from Ahmedabad. It was the worst aviation disaster in a decade and his escape is being hailed as the "miracle of seat 11A" in the British media. "I don't believe how I survived. For some time I thought I was also going to die," 40-year-old Viswashkumar told Indian state broadcaster DD News from his hospital bed on Friday. "But when I opened my eyes, I realised I was alive and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape from where I could. It was in front of my eyes that the air hostess and others (died)." He was travelling with his brother Ajay, who had been seated in a different row, members of his family have said. "The side of the plane I was in landed on the ground, and I could see that there was space outside the aircraft, so when my door broke I tried to escape through it and I did," Viswashkumar said. "The opposite side of the aircraft was blocked by the building wall so nobody could have come out of there." Viswashkumar suffered burns and bruises and has been kept under observation, an official at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad told Reuters by phone, requesting anonymity. "His escape ... and without any grievous injury, was nothing short of a miracle. He also realises that and is a bit shaken by the trauma of it too," the official said. Police said some people at the hostel and others on the ground were also killed in the crash. Viswashkumar said the plane seemed to come to a standstill in midair for a few seconds shortly after take-off and the green and white cabin lights were turned on. He said he could feel the engine thrust increasing but then the plane "crashed with speed into the hostel". At the family home in Leicester, central England, Viswashkumar's cousin Hiren Kantilal said they had spoken with him via video call that morning and relatives were urgently trying to make arrangements to travel to India. Asked about Viswashkumar's brother, Kantilal said: "We can't describe in the words, we are totally heartbroken." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in his home state of Gujarat to visit the crash site, met Viswashkumar in hospital on Friday. The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash that killed more than 240 people says he hardly believed he was alive, as he recounted seeing others dying near him as he escaped out of a broken emergency exit. Ramesh Viswashkumar, who police said was in seat 11A near the emergency exit and managed to squeeze through the broken hatch, was filmed after Thursday's crash limping on the street in a blood-stained T-shirt with bruises on his face. That social media footage of Viswashkumar, a British national of Indian origin, has been broadcast across India's news channels since the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner erupted in a ball of fire after it plummeted onto a medical college hostel moments after taking off from Ahmedabad. It was the worst aviation disaster in a decade and his escape is being hailed as the "miracle of seat 11A" in the British media. "I don't believe how I survived. For some time I thought I was also going to die," 40-year-old Viswashkumar told Indian state broadcaster DD News from his hospital bed on Friday. "But when I opened my eyes, I realised I was alive and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape from where I could. It was in front of my eyes that the air hostess and others (died)." He was travelling with his brother Ajay, who had been seated in a different row, members of his family have said. "The side of the plane I was in landed on the ground, and I could see that there was space outside the aircraft, so when my door broke I tried to escape through it and I did," Viswashkumar said. "The opposite side of the aircraft was blocked by the building wall so nobody could have come out of there." Viswashkumar suffered burns and bruises and has been kept under observation, an official at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad told Reuters by phone, requesting anonymity. "His escape ... and without any grievous injury, was nothing short of a miracle. He also realises that and is a bit shaken by the trauma of it too," the official said. Police said some people at the hostel and others on the ground were also killed in the crash. Viswashkumar said the plane seemed to come to a standstill in midair for a few seconds shortly after take-off and the green and white cabin lights were turned on. He said he could feel the engine thrust increasing but then the plane "crashed with speed into the hostel". At the family home in Leicester, central England, Viswashkumar's cousin Hiren Kantilal said they had spoken with him via video call that morning and relatives were urgently trying to make arrangements to travel to India. Asked about Viswashkumar's brother, Kantilal said: "We can't describe in the words, we are totally heartbroken." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in his home state of Gujarat to visit the crash site, met Viswashkumar in hospital on Friday.
Perth Now
13 hours ago
- Perth Now
Tragic twist as family's smiling selfie before Air India crash disaster emerges
New details are emerging about the passengers and crew caught up in one of aviation's darkest days. More than 240 people were killed when Air India flight 171 bound for London Gatwick slammed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, in India's west, just seconds after take-off on Thursday afternoon. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: The lone survivor of tragic Air India plane crash. Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national. Rescue crews continue to search through wreck and rubble for missing people and bodies, as well as vital clues that could explain what caused the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's downfall. 'Almost 70 per cent of the passengers were found in their seats, most of them had their seatbelts on,' a first responder said. It emerged on Friday that the jet had been in Australia just days ago. Air India crash sole survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh has spoken about his incredible escape in the airliner tragedy which killed hundreds. Credit: Seven There was just a single survivor from the Air India flight that was carrying 242 crew and passengers, including 11 children. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a passenger positioned in seat 11A, is a British national who had been visiting family. He walked away from the wreckage through a broken emergency exit and was able to speak from his hospital bed, having not sustained any major injuries. 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,' he said. Family told reporters that Ramesh had been seated next to his brother on the flight. Ramesh said 'I don't believe how I survived'. 'For some time I thought I was also going to die,' Ramesh, 40, told Indian state broadcaster DD News. 'But when I opened my eyes, I realised I was alive and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape from where I could. 'It was in front of my eyes that the air hostess and others (died).' Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 60, has been identified as the senior figure on board the doomed flight. Sabharwal had warned the plane was losing power just seconds after taking off. 'Mayday ... no thrust, losing power, unable to lift,' he radioed. The veteran pilot, who reportedly has more than 8200 flight hours across more than two decades, was set to retire within months to spend time with his father. 'He was very reserved, disciplined. We used to see him come and go in uniform often, but he was a very reserved person,' a neighbour told The Indian Express. Komi Vyas, her husband Prateek Joshi and their three children. Credit: Supplied Doctors Prateek Joshi and Komi Vyas, and their three children, were on board, preparing to return London. They had snapped a selfie together on the plane, and were all smiles before take-off. 'It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Dr Prateek Joshi and his family were on board the Air India flight that tragically crashed en route from Ahmedabad to London,' a spokesperson for Derby Hindu Temple said Former neighbour Neil Ryan said the family was 'wonderful. 'The family were really unassuming, genuine kind people, honestly. It's heartbreaking,' he told the BBC. First officer Clive Kundar was also highly experienced, with more than 1000 flying hours. Bollywood star Vikrant Massey shared on social media his heartbreak over Kundar's death, sharing that they were close family friends. 'My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the ones who lost their lives in the unimaginably tragic air crash in Ahmedabad today,' he posted on Instagram two his two million followers. 'It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder lost his son, Clive Kunder, who was the first officer operation on that fateful flight.' Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek and Jamie Meek were on board a London-bound Air India flight when it crashed shortly after taking off. Credit: 7NEWS A wellness influencer couple from the UK were among victims of the crash. Jamie Meek and partner Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek had shared a video to social media shortly before boarding in which they celebrated the end of their holiday. 'Going back happily, happily, happily calm,' Greenlaw-Meek said in the clip that has circulated widely online. Meek's brother Nick said family had expected them to return home about 6.30pm on Thursday before visiting his mum to get his dog. 'She is not in a good way. It is all very raw for her at the moment,' he told the Independent. A dentist has been identified as the only Canadian on-board the ill-fated flight that crashed on Thursday. Dr Nirali Sureshkumar Patel was from Mississauga in Ontario, reported CBC. She graduated from college in India before relocating, and was described as 'amazing, always happy'. 'The feeling that my work has made a difference in someone's life brightens my day,' Patel said in a work bio looking at her career. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was 'devastated' to learn of the fatal flight. 'My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board,' he said. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was 'saddened' to learn a Canadian from the region 'was among those lost in the tragic Air India crash'. Nirali Sureshkumar Patel. Credit: The Heritage Dental Centre A young girl killed in the aviation disaster has been described as a 'ray of sunshine'. Parents Akeel Nanabawa and Hannaa Vorajee, a couple known for their charity work, and their four-year-old daughter Sara had been on a surprise trip to India. The headteacher of the school Sara attended said she 'lit up the classroom'. '(The family) touched lots of people and they will be missed by lots of people,' Abdullah Samad told the BBC. Akeel Nanabawa with wife Hannaa Vorajee and their daughter Sara. Credit: PA The Boeing Dreamliner with 242 people on board bound for Gatwick took off over a residential area and then disappeared from view before a huge fireball was seen rising into the sky. Rescue crews have searched both the plane wreckage and are combing buildings at the crash site too. Residents living in the vicinity said construction of the hostel for resident doctors was completed only a year ago and the buildings were not fully occupied. 'We were at home and heard a massive sound, it appeared like a big blast. We then saw very dark smoke which engulfed the entire area,' said Nitin Joshi, who has been living in the area for more than 50 years. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed by officials on the progress of rescue operations when he visited the crash site in his home state of Gujarat. Modi also met some of the injured being treated in the hospital. 'The scene of devastation is saddening,' he said Search and rescue teams respond to the scene of a plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. Credit: AP A UK-bound Air India plane crashed onto a medical college hostel with 242 people on board. Credit: AAP The Wall Street Journal reported that an investigation into the crash was focusing on 'whether the aircraft had a loss or reduction in engine thrust', citing unnamed sources. Air India has said the investigation would take time. Planemaker Boeing said a team of experts is ready to go to India to help in the probe. The last fatal plane crash in India, the world's third-largest aviation market and its fastest growing, was in 2020 and involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm. - With AAP
