Executive Council
Natural Resources
March 12, 2015
Remembering Cougar 491
March 12 Marks Anniversary of Cougar Flight 491 Tragedy
The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today remembered the victims of Cougar Flight 491 that crashed off the province’s shores six years ago on March 12, 2009.
“March 12 will forever be remembered in our province’s history. Tragedies, such as the Cougar Flight 491 crash, the 1985 Universal Helicopter crash, and the 1982 Ocean Ranger sinking, are constant reminders that after decades of making our livelihood from the sea, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are not immune to tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who continue to mourn the loss they experienced on this day six years ago.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
On March 12, 2009, Cougar Flight 491 crashed while en route to the SeaRose FPSO in the White Rose oil field and Hibernia platform in the Hibernia oil field. A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (The Kirk) tonight at 7:00 p.m. (pre-service music begins at 6:30 p.m.).
“Cougar Flight 491 is a tragedy that will never be forgotten. It has impacted all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians here and abroad, as well as individuals throughout the country and around the world. Worker safety is paramount in petroleum development and today is a reminder of the importance of a strong, safety culture for those who make a living from the offshore.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources
On September 30, 2014, Premier Davis officially dedicated the Offshore Helicopter Accident Memorial at Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John’s. The memorial pays tribute to the victims of Cougar Flight 491 and the 1985 Universal Helicopter crashes.
QUICK FACTS
- Premier Davis today remembered the victims of Cougar Flight 491.
- On March 12, 2009, Cougar 491 crashed while en route to the SeaRose FPSO in the White Rose oil field and Hibernia platform in the Hibernia oil field.
- On September 30, 2014, Premier Davis officially dedicated the Offshore Helicopter Accident Memorial at Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John’s. The memorial pays tribute to the victims of Cougar 491 and the 1985 Universal Helicopter crashes.
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Media contacts:
| Heather Maclean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551, 699-2402 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
| Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
2015 03 12 12:55 p.m.