In 1992, Annette Herfkens was living the dream. A successful Wall Street trader with a thriving career, a passionate love life, and everything going for her. But her life would take a drastic turn when a romantic escape with her partner turned into a nightmare.
Thirty-three years ago, Annette, a Dutch-born woman, embarked on a flight with her longtime partner, William, for what was supposed to be the ultimate romantic getaway. William, the head of the Vietnam branch of Internationale Nederlanden Bank, had convinced Annette to take a much-needed break after months of working in different countries.
This trip was meant to be a reunion—a chance to reconnect and recharge. They started in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, before heading to the coastal resort of Nha Trang for some sun, sand, and serenity. However, what was supposed to be a peaceful vacation turned into one of the most harrowing experiences of her life.
A Terrifying Turn of Events
On November 14th, 1992, Annette and William boarded the Yakovlev Yak-40, an old Soviet-built jet, for a short flight to Nha Trang. But a nagging feeling crept over Annette, a lifelong claustrophobe, as the plane began its ascent.
The flight, which was supposed to last just 20 minutes, stretched to 40 minutes. Panic set in as the plane dropped and then plunged, eventually going into complete darkness.
“Someone screamed. It went pitch-black. Seconds later, we made impact,” Annette recalled.
Annette Herfkens with Willem van der Pas in Peru, 1983. / annetteherfkens.com
Waking Up to a Nightmare
When Annette regained consciousness, she was in the middle of the dense Vietnamese jungle. A stranger’s body was draped over her, and nearby, William sat strapped in his seat, smiling, motionless. He was gone.
“That’s where you have fight or flight,” Annette said. “I definitely chose flight.”
In excruciating pain from shattered bones and a collapsed lung, Annette crawled away from the wreckage. Her injuries were severe—she had a shattered hip, a broken leg, and bone protruding from her jaw, but she was alive.
As Annette struggled to survive, she was surrounded by the dead. But she wasn’t alone for long. Despite hearing cries from fellow survivors, the voices soon faded. Annette was left surrounded only by the dead.
A Fight for Survival
Using yoga breathing techniques, Annette managed to calm herself and breathe through the pain. She collected rainwater by using insulation from the plane’s wings, injuring her elbows so badly they later required skin grafts. Every two hours, she would take a sip of the water she collected, congratulating herself for staying alive.
The World Thought She Was Gone
Back home, Annette’s family grieved her loss. Her obituary ran in the newspaper, and a condolence letter was sent from her boss. However, Annette’s close friend, Jaime Lupa, refused to give up on her. He promised her father, “I will bring your daughter back alive.”
Seven days after the crash, Annette felt herself slipping away. But on the eighth day, a miracle occurred. A Vietnamese policeman and his team arrived, expecting only to find bodies. They were shocked when they found Annette alive.
A New Life After Tragedy
After being carried down the mountain and transported back home, Annette returned to a life she never expected. In December 1992, she attended her fiancé’s funeral in a wheelchair. By New Year’s, she was walking again. And by February 1993, she had returned to her banking job.
Though her body healed, the trauma lingered. Annette’s grief and anger remained, but over time, she found a way to rebuild her life. Years later, she married Jaime Lupa, the man who had promised to bring her home, and had two children. Though they later divorced, Annette found strength in her new life while holding on to the lessons from her past.
A Survivor’s Mindset
Annette’s mantra became central to her life. “You learn from taking losses,” she said, referring to her experience in the jungle. She later became an inspirational speaker, sharing her survival story and the lessons she learned along the way.
Annette credits her survival to her instincts—something she believes was honed by growing up without the guidance of parents telling her what to do. She suspects that undiagnosed ADHD might have played a role in her ability to survive, giving her the creativity and resilience needed to navigate the jungle.
When her son, Max, was diagnosed with autism, Annette applied the same mindset. “You have to mourn what’s not there,” she said, “but focus on what is there.” She joined inclusive communities, connected with other parents, and even took Max on practice runs to the police station, preparing him for real-life challenges.
Marking the Days of Survival
Each year, Annette marks the eighth day of the crash. She sips water, buys herself a gift, and celebrates her survival. Though certain things still trigger flashbacks—like sitting behind other passengers on planes or the smell of Vietnamese food—Annette continues to embrace life and live with gratitude.
Annette’s story proves that survival is more than just a physical act. It’s a mindset. It’s about finding resilience even in the most difficult circumstances. It’s a lesson in accepting loss and discovering the strength to move forward.
For Annette Herfkens, survival wasn’t a one-time event—it became a way of life, a lesson in seeing the light through the leaves of life’s most painful experiences.
