12:00a.m. 2nd December 2008

| By Gordon Clark

Coast couple Vinka and David Clemmett are safe and sound in their Kawana Island home after being trapped in the Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai. Photo:Barry Leddicoat/179715

David Clemmett knew instantly that the loud explosions from downstairs in Mumbai’s Oberoi Hotel last Wednesday meant trouble.

Speaking from the safety of his lounge room at Kawana Island after flying back to Australia yesterday, Mr Clemmett relived the 46 hours he spent barricaded in his fifth-floor hotel room with his wife Vinka while terrorists and Indian soldiers fought a gun battle below.

“We heard a loud explosion from the lobby area which we knew straight away was serious – then we heard lots and lots of gunfire,” the 52-year-old said.

“I looked outside to see if there was an escape, but it would have taken two 25-foot jumps to get to safety. We decided to stay in the room and pushed a minibar and cabinet against the door.”

Mr Clemmett said it was not long before a fire started in the hotel and their room began filling with smoke.

“The smoke alarms went off but the smoke ended up clearing,” he said.

Soldiers arrived about an hour later, but Mr Clemmett said with grenades, AK47s, and “the high ground” the terrorists had the advantage.

Despite the shootout raging below, Mr Clemmett said both he and Vinka managed to grab some sleep.

“We were pretty tired so we both had bits of sleep from time to time. We knew the army was out there so we never thought we wouldn’t come out of it,” he said.

While the fighting was going on, the Clemmetts tuned in to CNN and spoke to family and friends in Australia and New Zealand to both find out what was happening in the Indian city and let everyone know they were safe.

“We phoned our two sons, but we didn’t tell our nine-year-old daughter who was at home being looked after by friends.”

Mr Clemmett said they were hopeful of an end to the drama on the second day (Thursday) when hotel security called to advise them not to open the door, but also said “we’ll get you out”.

That confidence was clearly misplaced because it was not until 4pm on Friday, and a fourth call from security, before they were told the situation was under control.

“We were told to open the door and come out with our hands up. The soldiers had guns pointed at us ... it’s the first time that’s happpened to us,” Mr Clemmett said.

While relieved to be out safely, he said the death of two friends in the attack had hit them hard.

Vinka said they were so glad to be home, adding the help given by the Australian and New Zealand governments, as well as staff at the Oberoi, had been fantastic.