A Virgin Australia flight from Broome got an unexpected twist straight out of a movie when a snake slithered on board just before takeoff! While it delayed the flight for around 20 minutes, passengers didn’t have to wait too long for a hero to step in — and it turned out to be none other than Disney’s very own TV star, Andre Rerekura.
The unusual incident happened on Flight 1482, scheduled to leave Broome at 10:30 am on Thursday. Luckily, Andre Rerekura, known for his role in Disney’s Shipwreck Hunters, was sitting near the front of the plane and wasted no time stepping up to handle the situation.
A Real-Life Hero Moment
Andre, an underwater cinematographer and outdoorsman who’s no stranger to wildlife, smoothly handled the unexpected guest — even with nothing but his bare hands! After removing the snake, Andre joked with passengers and crew, saying, “He was so cute, we should’ve taken him home.”
One flight attendant couldn’t help but laugh at the bizarre situation: “There’s never a dull moment in aviation, and that definitely takes the cake! We had a gentleman on board who safely and soundly removed the snake from the aircraft.”
To say the cabin crew and passengers were impressed would be an understatement. Andre definitely earned his soda water for this heroic feat — the only thing he asked for after saving the day.
Where Did the Snake Come From?
Broome International Airport’s chief executive Craig Shaw admitted the airport wasn’t sure how the snake found its way onto the flight. The reptile, identified as non-venomous by a Virgin Australia spokesperson, was discovered during boarding. Normally, protocol would require airport staff or professionals to handle such incidents, but Andre’s quick thinking cut down the need for any additional delays.
The snake was handed over to airport staff once Andre removed it, allowing the flight to continue its journey to Perth shortly afterward. Virgin Australia expressed gratitude to all passengers for their patience and praised the smooth resolution to a situation that could’ve gone much worse.
What Brings Andre Rerekura to Broome?
The Disney star and his partners have been busy exploring and filming around Scott Reef, over 250 kilometers off the Kimberley coast. Known for his extensive knowledge of marine life, including sea snakes, Andre has spent recent days working on an upcoming production highlighting the beauty and fragility of Australia’s untouched wilderness.
Jesse Noakes, cofounder of The Last Place on Earth and a fellow passenger on the flight, shared that Andre’s calm demeanor and expertise made all the difference. “[Andre] showed no hesitation despite only having his bare hands to help him,” said Jesse. “He acted quickly and confidently when passengers screamed for help.”
The filming at Scott Reef is expected to showcase one of Australia’s last remaining wild frontiers in stunning detail. Keep an eye out for the upcoming production — it sounds like it’s going to be incredible.
Something Straight Out of Hollywood
If you feel like this story could have been the plot of a Hollywood blockbuster, you’re not alone. From the suspense of a loose snake onboard to the heroic intervention by a TV star, it feels like a scene inspired by Snakes on a Plane — minus Samuel L. Jackson, of course.
Luckily, everything ended well, thanks to Andre Rerekura’s quick thinking, deep experience with reptiles, and calm attitude. And while this might not be the kind of “wildlife encounter” passengers signed up for, it’s definitely one they won’t be forgetting anytime soon!
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you’re boarding a flight, keep this story in mind — because you might just end up sharing a cabin with some unexpected wildlife. And if you’re lucky, you might even have your own real-life hero ready to save the day, just like Andre Rerekura.
Nothing like a snake-on-a-plane saga to start your journey with a bang, huh?