‘My rock’ Egypt balloon tragedy survivor Michael Rennie pays tribute to wife

The Perth man who survived the Luxor hot air balloon disaster today paid tribute to his wife, who he described as “my rock, my friend, my shoulder to cry on”.

Michael Rennie (49) was one of just two survivors of the crash that killed 19 people, including his wife Yvonne, on Tuesday.

Mr Rennie, who is thought to have survived by leaping from the basket, issued a statement in which he said Mrs Rennie was “my world”.

He said: “I would like to thank the staff at both hospitals in Cairo and Luxor, the British Embassy especially Hala Hamam and John Hamilton and Kathryn Brace from (tour operator) Thomas Cook for helping me through these last few days.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the other families that have lost relatives around the world in this terrible disaster. I would be grateful to the media for respecting my privacy and that of my family at this difficult time.”

Friends of the couple have promised to provide a support network for Mr Rennie when he returns to Scotland, possibly as early as Friday.

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