A Speck of Orange

The true story of the international open water search and rescue operation that led to the rescue of all forty-nine passengers and crew of the ill-fated MV Solfish 001, which  sank in heavy seas on Wednesday 23 May 2012.

Trevor Jardine is a natural born storyteller and what a story he has to tell. A Speck of Orange is an amazing tale of survival in what still stands as one of the most successful search and rescue missions ever conducted in open ocean. In this never-before-told true story, the collaboration between Australia, Solomon Islands, France, and Vanuatu to save the lives of 49 people, including women and children, lost at sea after the island trader MV Solfish 001 sinks in a storm, is heart-warming and salient. The role of the crew of the
Australian aircraft VH-SGY in successfully finding the proverbial needle in the haystack, the five lost life rafts, is inspirational. A Speck of Orange beautifully illustrates that, for all our differences, we are all part of a truly compassionate and caring global community.
Jo Kennett - Senior Journalist Tweed Valley Weekly

I found Trevor Jardine’s account of the search for MV Solfish 001 and its 49 passengers and crew fascinating. It tells the story of how ‘joined up’ government at all levels works in real time saving lives. It is a testament to the quiet professionalism of the volunteers who make up the State Emergency Service, and their critical role in keeping us all safe.
Clem O’Regan APM (retired Assistant Commissioner, Queensland Police Service)

I found A Speck of Orange very readable, exciting and interesting. Trevor Jardine quickly captured this reader’s interest and empathy, so that it became an easy read. Once I started reading I could not put it down, as each detail was revealed. It was exciting to learn of the passengers’ and crews’ efficient rescue. Informative graphics and explanations. Highly recommended.
Lee Finkelstein - Librarian/Researcher

This book tells a compelling story of the event and the progressive desperation of the survivors, marooned in the intense discomfort of their isolated inflatable raft world for over three days. The author has skilfully combined the operational planning with a sense of adventure; a glimpse of the great natural drama involved; and the intense human interest created by the story of the survivors and their families. The descriptive passages
paint a stark picture of the conditions prevailing. This is a story of joy that deserves to be told to the benefit of mankind, and the writer has related it in a fascinating and very human way. A compelling read.
Captain David Champion - Senior Pilot QGAW