10News.com

Sustain San Diego
Holiday Gift Guide Button
Sustain San Diego
10 News Leadership Award
San Diego News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Local Man Flees Tsunami, Tracks Journey Online

Behle Family Thankful Son Alive

POSTED: 4:19 pm PST December 28, 2004
UPDATED: 9:59 am PST December 30, 2004

As the widespread catastrophe in southeast Asia began to unfold, news of the tragedy quickly spread around the world.

Video

A Rancho Bernardo couple, whose only son is traveling in Thailand, first heard the news Christmas night when they got a call from France.

"(My sister) woke us up and said, 'Do you know that there's been a big earthquake? Where is Brandon? Where is he staying because it's hitting Thailand too,'" said Cary Behle about the phone call she received from her sister.

Behle's son, 22-year-old Brandon, spent Christmas on the Thai island of Koh Phi-Phi.

Brandon's parents sat glued to their television after learning Ko Phi Phi was among the many areas destroyed by tsunamis. They worried that their only son had been swept away with thousands of other victims.

Nearly 30 hours later, they received the call that eased their fears.

"This woman just said, 'Is this Brandon's mother? Brandon Behle is OK,'" Meg Behle recalled.

Brandon, who began his journey to Asia at the beginning of December, has been tracking his trip online. Now, he's sharing his experience with the world.

"I'm alive and unharmed. Yes, we were hit by a tsunami and it wiped out the island. I am safe on the mainland. I have lost my passport, Visa, and ATM card," Brandon wrote on his online journal.

His parents learned that for two straight days, Brandon helped evacuate injured survivors and searched for bodies. He described it in his weblog as horrible and gruesome.

Brandon is now on his way to Bangkok to get another Visa and he's still deciding whether or not to continue his journey through Asia.

"Actually, we feel that's his decision," Behle said.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

It was bound to happen. There are now applications for your cell phone that can help you avoid speeding tickets as well as traffic jams. Drive carefully. More

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

Sponsored Links

2009 Holidays

It's hard not to go overboard on holiday spending for the kids, the spouse or other family and friends. Here's some advice that can help you manage your money this holiday season. More
Section: Holidays

Job Searching Tips

Struggling to find a great job in a bad economy can be tough, but these eight tips can help improve your chances of landing a gig. More