The Rossiters back at home in Salisbury. 6/1/5A CHANCE decision to spend Boxing Day on a different beach probably saved the lives of a Salisbury couple caught up in the Asian tsunami disaster.

Terry and Mary Rossitter, of Bemerton Heath, had begun the fourth day of their dream Christmas break to the Thai island of Phuket like any other.

The temperature was in the high 90s and they were heading for the beach.

But this time they decided to leave their luxury four-star resort in Patong and head south for Kata.

It was a decision that probably saved their lives.

Patong beach was virtually destroyed by the massive waves that struck Thailand while the more sheltered resort of Kata was less affected.

"If we had been on Patong beach that morning we wouldn't be alive today," said Mary (47), still shaking from her horrific ordeal.

The couple had just arrived at Kata and were walking along the beach when the first of several tsunami waves struck.

They thought it was the tide but within minutes they were up to their waists in water and struggling to stay afloat.

Terry (60) managed to climb a wall and was trying to pull Mary up when it collapsed beneath him and both were swept away.

"Those were the worst moments of my life," said Terry, manufacturing manager at Wilton Carpet Factory. "I could see the fear in Mary's face as she was being dragged towards a row of palm trees. I was just praying that she would miss those trees because there was nothing I could do to help her."

Fortunately, Mary found her footing and was able to push off from one of the trees and through a small gap.

Terry then grabbed hold of her and pulled them both to safety.

They had both just climbed to the first floor of a nearby hotel when a second wave hit Kata.

"That second wave was massive," said Terry, "the water came just under the level of the floor we were standing on.

"If that wave had come first we wouldn't have stood a chance."

But, despite their narrow escape, both were still injured.

Terry was badly bruised while Mary was bleeding from cuts to her forehead, chest and foot.

All three waited for the water to subside before moving to the hotel lobby and then a monastery on higher ground.

Mary was finally transferred to Phuket International Hospital, where her injuries were treated, about six hours later.

Terry and Mary flew back from Thailand on Tuesday last week - just six days after arriving.

Mary still needs the dressing on her foot changed everyday and is taking antibiotics to prevent infection.

"It was meant to have been a dream holiday on an island paradise," said Terry.

"As it was, we have been incredibly lucky.

"We just can't help but think, 'How come we're alive, when thousands of other people have lost their lives?'."