Summer Bay is rocked by more devastating news about the chopper crash. Tasha begs Jack to keep fighting, but can she get through to him before it’s too late? Beth and Amanda form an unlikely bond in the wake of the tragedy.
Extended Summary
Jack has finished watching the footage of his wedding day and tries desperately to keep his emotions in check. Tasha offers her support as Jack confides he wants to stay at home because it’s where he feels closest to Martha. Tasha fully understands, she too feels the same for Robbie. Tasha tries to convince Jack to go back to hospital but is saddened by the realisation that Jack has given up hope. Tasha makes a heartfelt plea, reminding Jack of his promise to take care of her and her baby and wills him to keep fighting. Jack is affected by Tasha’s words – but will it be enough to change his mind?
Tony is at the Surf Club bringing the others up to speed on Jack’s condition. Tony explains that Jack is not taking his medication and fears his body may reject the liver. He stops when he notices Dan approaching, only too aware of the sensitivity of the issue. Irene jumps in and offers her condolences to Dan and raises the issue of having a memorial service for Peter. Dan is grateful for his mates’ support. Amanda arrives and adds a further suggestion to have a morning tea to commemorate their lost loved ones. Beth sees red and can’t believe Amanda is suggesting her kids are dead. Amanda hurries out, deeply embarrassed. Dan can see that Amanda had good intentions at heart but is surprised by Amanda’s idea that losing Belle was her punishment for all the selfish things she has done in her life.
Alf is on alert when Wal from Police Special Operations, enter the Surf Club. Alf and Beth brace themselves for the worst. Wal delivers the bad news that due to restricted resources, he regrets to announce the search will be called off as of nightfall. There is outrage from the group which has now gathered around. Alf renews their hope with the suggestion they could conduct their own private search but their bubble is quickly burst when Wal advises the cost of a search is about $50 000 a day. Beth is horrified – where will they possibly find that kind of money? Unaware of the drama that has unfolded at the Surf Club, Tony is by Jack’s bedside, relieved that Jack is now back in hospital.
Tony arrives home to find Beth rummaging through her legal documents. He is shocked to learn the search has been called off, but even more so, when Beth announces she is going to try and remortgage the house to fund a private search – and nothing is going to stand in her way!! That is, until, Beth is refused the money and is now right back to square one. As Alf, Irene and Macca brainstorm other possible money-making ideas, a thought crosses Beth’s mind – maybe there is someone who can help! Later, Beth returns with Amanda in tow, to deliver the good news that Amanda has agreed to fund the entire search until their loved ones are found. Amanda is startled by the sudden rush of affection as everyone gives her words and hugs of thanks. Beth sends her a smile – former enemies united for a common cause!
Meanwhile, the lost group continue their trek through the dense bush, struggling with dehydration and the pain of their injuries. Colin and Kim are still at logger heads about whether they made the right decision to leave the scene of the accident. Kim eventually puts his foot down, refusing to keep trekking. Much to his surprise, Colin lets him take the lead. Kim continues on an alternative path but frustrations hit boiling point when they realise they have done a complete 360. After hours of walking, they are right back to where they started! Colin hits the roof and before he knocks Kim’s lights out, Kit jumps in, insisting they camp there the night. The group are looking worse for wear the next morning, as they pack up their gear in preparation for another draining day. Kit fires up when she notices Belle rifling through her bag for painkillers. Kit lunges at her and the others watch on, stunned, as Kit and Belle struggle for the bag. Kit reefs the bag with force but in doing so, stumbles backwards down the embankment behind her. Kit lay dead still at the bottom as the others race to help her – will she survive?