WHEN I and 1,800 others aboard the P&O ship Aurora, on September 9, sailed past the Statue of Liberty we were excited to get our first sighting of the New York skyline. Little did we know how that was to change to horrifically in just two days.

Many passengers dispersed from New York on tours or independently but more than 400 were accommodated in the city and were due to fly home to the UK in two or three days.

When the terrorists struck, all planes were grounded and those people would have been stranded. However, P&O stepped in and made arrangements for accommodation and all who wished to return on Aurora were brought home on the ship at no extra cost.

We sailed from Boston because New York was impossible, but transport was laid on. The welcome from all officers and crew was like a family welcoming their loved ones home and I am happy to say that all passengers were safe although some did have narrow escapes. To cap it all, the captain decided that the first day back was a gentle cruise off the coast so that we could rest and relax before we went on. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, two ministers of religion were embarked at P&O's urgent request to give spiritual comfort to any passengers who felt in need.

I'd like to say well done to P&O. I always thought they were the best and they've certainly proved it.

EILEEN EASTHAM, Milton Close, Darwen.