Executive Council
Natural Resources
March 11, 2016
Commemorating Workers Lost Offshore
Province Remembers the Victims of Cougar Flight 491
The Provincial Government is recognizing the anniversary of the Cougar Flight 491 tragedy that occurred seven years ago on March 12, 2009.
“March 12 marks a day of tragedy and sorrow in Newfoundland and Labrador. Seven years ago, the province was shocked and grief stricken by the tragic crash of Cougar Flight 491. I offer my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the 17 victims who lost their lives far too soon.”
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
On March 12, 2009, Cougar Flight 491 was en route to the SeaRose Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and the Hibernia Platform when it ditched in the North Atlantic.
“Such a tragic event reminds us of the harsh conditions faced everyday by the women and men working in our offshore. We, along with our partners, have made major progress on implementing the Wells Report recommendations and we will continue to improve regulations to ensure everyone is provided with the safest working conditions possible.”
- The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources
The Provincial Government remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of the province’s offshore workers and the protection of the environment.
QUICK FACTS
- The Cougar Flight 491 tragedy occurred on March 12, 2009.
- The Provincial Government remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of the province’s offshore workers and the protection of the environment.
- An Offshore Helicopter Accident Memorial commemorating the victims of Cougar Flight 491 and 1985 Universal Helicopters crashes was unveiled at Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John’s in 2014.
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Media contacts:
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Nancy O’Connor Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-689-1825 nancyoconnor@gov.nl.ca |
Erin Curran Communications Specialist Office of the Premier 709-725-9231 erincurran@gov.nl.ca |
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Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
2016 03 11 3:45 p.m.