Nicola Finnegan, an Irish survivor of the devastating 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami, recently shared her harrowing experience of the disaster and the subsequent loss of her father, Noel Murtagh. The tsunami, which struck on December 26, 2004, claimed over 230,000 lives and left many families forever changed.
The Tsunami Experience
Nicola was vacationing in Thailand with her now-husband William and her parents, Noel and Bernie Murtagh, when the tsunami struck. The family was caught in a taxi that was engulfed by a massive wave in Phuket. Miraculously, they managed to escape the vehicle just moments before it was crushed against a wall by the force of the water.
“We were stranded on a building for five hours, watching in horror as hundreds of people drowned,” Nicola recalled. The traumatic experience left lasting effects on both Nicola and William, with William initially suffering from panic attacks. Even now, years later, they remain wary of the sea.
Life After the Tsunami
As a result of their traumatic experience, Nicola has developed a fear of the ocean. During a recent holiday in Lanzarote with her mother Bernie, she admitted to being “a little bit nervous” about the beach. “I wouldn’t be a lover of the beach now… I enjoy the pool though. But as for the sea, I’d look at it from a cocktail bar when the sun is setting; that’s as far as I’d go,” she stated.
Tragically, Noel Murtagh passed away four years ago after suffering injuries from a fall while on holiday in Lanzarote. Nicola described how he returned home with broken ribs and a punctured lung but did not receive timely medical attention due to COVID-19 restrictions. He died on January 20, leaving behind a grieving family.
Ongoing Struggles
Nicola continues to visit Lanzarote every year with her father’s family to honor his memory. She reflects on their shared experiences during the tsunami and how they still discuss that fateful day. “Even my kids didn’t think it was that bad until we showed them photographs,” she noted.
Her mother Bernie is finding life difficult after Noel’s passing, as she copes with living alone. “I’m an only child, so she’s living on her own most times, which she finds very hard,” Nicola explained.
A Father’s Love for the Sea
Interestingly, while Nicola developed a fear of water following the tsunami, her father found comfort by the beach. “Believe it or not, dad used to find comfort by it,” Nicola reflected. He would walk along the beach during their holidays, seemingly undeterred by past traumas.
Noel had once expressed his love for Thailand and returned to Phuket two years after the tsunami struck. He fondly recalled how he rushed to help Nicola and William during the disaster and described witnessing the chaotic scene as waves crashed around them.
Conclusion
The story of Nicola Finnegan is one of survival amidst unimaginable tragedy. As she navigates life after such profound loss and trauma, her experiences serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. While memories of that fateful day continue to haunt her family, they also highlight their enduring bond and commitment to honoring Noel’s memory through shared experiences and annual traditions.