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Journalism of Courage
A dramatic video has surfaced showing beachgoers standing directly behind a jet preparing for takeoff at the Maho Beach in St Maarten.
The beach, located just outside Princess Juliana International Airport, is a major draw for thrill-seeking tourists due to its proximity to the runway, only about 50 metres from the sand. Planes often soar just 20 metres above beachgoers, creating a unique but dangerous attraction.
In the viral footage, a large MD-80 series aircraft is seen positioning for takeoff as tourists gather near the airport fence. Some can be heard laughing and pulling out phones to record, while others rush forward to get a closer look.
As the plane’s engines start, a powerful blast of air tears through the crowd. Screaming onlookers are knocked to the ground, their belongings flung into the air and swept toward the sea. Some beachgoers desperately cling to fences or drop flat to the ground to avoid being thrown.
“Damn,” the person filming is heard saying as he quickly moves out of the jet’s path. Moments later, he chuckles and adds, “Look at all of those people’s stuff,” as the camera pans to the sea, where scattered items are seen floating away.
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While the video has gained massive attention online, many viewers criticised the beachgoers for taking such a risk, calling the act “foolish,” “dangerous,” and “irresponsible”. Reacting to the video, Bryan Johnson, popularly known as the ‘age-reversing’ billionaire CEO, wrote, “120-130 dB within 100 meters, enough to cause immediate hearing damage.” Another user commented, “What a great vacation. I got permanent hearing damage and massive amounts of toxic fumes power-blasted into my bloodstream!”
Despite mishaps in the past, Maho Beach continues to attract tourists eager to capture dramatic photos and videos.
