Natural Resources
Service NL
March 10, 2017

Commemorating Workers Lost Offshore

Province Remembers Anniversary of Cougar Flight 491 Crash

The Provincial Government is recognizing the anniversary of the Cougar Flight 491 tragedy that occurred eight years ago on March 12, 2009. A memorial service for those who passed away as a result of the crash will be held on Sunday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. at Corpus Christi Church on Waterford Bridge Road in St. John’s. The public is encouraged to attend to remember those who perished and to offer condolences to their families and friends.

“March 12 marks a tragic day in Newfoundland and Labrador, a day of terrible loss and sorrow, and one Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will never forget. Eight years ago the province was shaken by the tragic crash of Cougar Flight 491. I offer my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the 17 victims that lost their lives that day.”
- The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources

Eight years ago, 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 resulting in the loss of the helicopter’s two crew members and 15 passengers who worked at the oil fields.

“The devastating loss of Cougar 491 reminds us of the harsh and challenging conditions the men and women working in the offshore industry often face. We, along with our partners, will continue to keep safety as the paramount concern of the industry, diligently working to continuously strengthen the regulatory regime and ensure everyone is provided with the safest working conditions possible.”
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minster of Service NL

The Provincial Government remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of the province’s offshore workers as well as to protecting the environment. Following the crash of Cougar Flight 491, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) commissioned an Offshore Helicopter Safety Inquiry under the direction of Judge Robert Wells. Released in November 2010, the report contained 29 recommendations, most of which are either implemented or in progress.

QUICK FACTS

• The Cougar Flight 491 tragedy occurred on March 12, 2009 resulting in the loss of 17 lives.
• 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.
• A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. at Corpus Christi Church on Waterford Bridge Road in St. John’s. The public is encouraged to attend in remembrance of those who perished and to offer condolences.

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Media contacts:

Chrysta Collins Media Relations Manager Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5777, 690-4436 chrystacollins@gov.nl.ca

Gina MacArthur Media Relations Manager Service NL 709-729-4748, 730-2977 ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

2017 03 10                              3:10 p.m.