Today in my home city of St. John’s, Newfoundland, a farewell was held for 17 victims of a helicopter crash. Of all the workers in the chopper, only one survived. The helicopter was in the process of transporting workers to Hibernia, one of the off-shore oil rigs, when it encountered trouble and went down in the North Atlantic.
This brings back a startling recollection of the Ocean Ranger disaster, back in 1982.
Hundreds pay homage to 17 chopper crash victims
TARA BRAUTIGAM
Canadian Press
March 18, 2009 at 6:53 PM EDT
ST. JOHN’S — The 17 victims of a helicopter crash in the North Atlantic were remembered Wednesday at a prayer service that reflected on Newfoundland and Labrador’s ties to the sea — both the rewards and the dangers the ocean has brought in the province’s history.
Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Rowe of the Salvation Army said for more than 500 years, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have relied on the sea for their way of life.
“Inherent in this way of life is danger, and many hundreds and even thousands have succumbed to the force of the winds, the storms and the waters over the years,” he told hundreds who attended the multi-faith service at the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
“And we have been sadly reminded of that again this past week.” (read rest of article here).
Related:
A desperate search in the frigid Atlantic
The Rock is still slippery with danger
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