Pilot Who Saved 155 Lives on the Hudson Diagnosed with Alzheimer's

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, the pilot who became famous for the emergency water landing on the Hudson River in 2009, has announced that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 75, according to the BBC.

A recent diagnosis, caught in its early stages

The news was made public by Sullenberger himself, on his personal website. He stated that the diagnosis is recent and that the disease is in its early stages.

"For now, this means a name might not come to me as easily, I may forget a story I told recently, or I may not sleep as well. But I am at the beginning of this long journey," the former pilot wrote.

In a post published on Tuesday, Sullenberger admitted that the diagnosis had "called into question what it means to be useful," but added that his response is to speak openly about the disease.

"Over the years, when people asked me about the success of Flight 1549, I would say that 'courage can be contagious,'" he wrote, recalling that the events of that day helped everyone involved to work together to save the passengers. "Now, we need that courage to fight this disease. I am now part of a larger community alongside many of you, and we will be courageous together," Sullenberger added.

The "Miracle on the Hudson"

On 15 January 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing on the Hudson River in New York, after both of the aircraft's engines were disabled following a collision with a flock of geese shortly after take-off.

Sullenberger successfully executed an emergency water landing on the Hudson River, and all 155 people on board survived — an event later known as the "Miracle on the Hudson." His composure and swift decision-making were crucial in averting a tragedy.

At the time, the pilot had 40 years of experience in aviation. He retired from flying a year later, in 2010, but continued to advocate for aviation safety.

His story was brought to the screen in 2016 through the film Sully, in which the lead role was played by Tom Hanks.