The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize a somber anniversary in Newfoundland and Labrador. The crash of Cougar Flight 491 – a tragic event that continues to resonate with residents of our province 10 years later. It’s the raw emotion we feel that serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the historical dangers associated with working on the ocean.
Today, is about remembering and reflection. As we mark the 10th anniversary of Cougar Flight 491, I would like to take this moment to honour the lives of the 17 individuals who were tragically lost that day at sea – and pay tribute to the sole survivor, Robert Decker.
Cougar Flight 491 has had a profound impact on the families, co-workers, and friends of those we lost. It affected every nook and cranny of our province. Although a decade has passed, it’s not hard to remember exactly where you were upon hearing the news of this devastating crash. We’re all closely knit. Coming together as a community in a time of sorrow is what we do as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
I offer my sincere condolences to the families, friends and co-workers of those we lost that day. One such incident is one too many and I assure them that we will never take for granted the health and safety of those who work offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.
Mr. Speaker, the annual memorial service for Cougar Flight 491 will take place this evening at Elim Pentecostal Tabernacle on Kenmount Road in St. John’s. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. and is open to the public. I encourage all my Honourable colleagues to attend.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.