Bond Puma 01 Apr 2009 Condolences

[widgeon]

Eternal Father, strong to save
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave.
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep
Oh hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea.

[Roadhouse]

Thoughts and prayers for family and friends.

[bluesilk]

What a dreadful day. Don't have the words except to say my thoughts and prayers are with those lost and their loved ones RIP.

[Banksman]

thoughts and prayers go to everyone involved :sad:

[9Aplus]

Sad day indeed.
Condolences to families.
RIP
:sad:

[disting1]

My thoughts also to all those on board and also to all those working for Bond. Must be a terrible time for them coming so soon after the first one.

[Aser]

My condolences to all involved :sad:
what a terrible year...


Regards
Aser

[norunway]

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air,
Up, up the long delirious burning blue.
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew;
And while with silent uplifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God!

Thinking of everybody in Bond and on the Miller at this time.

[Jigsaw]

Such a terrible accident, my thoughts are with you all at Bond/BP Miller.

[rotorrookie]

Very sad news:( my condolences to their friends and families. lets pray for those still missing

[tuscan]

As a passenger of 20 years and hundreds of flights it is always shocking and thought provoking when such disasters happen. My thoughts are not just with those involved but also with other pilots and passengers who will have this on their minds in the future, those who have lost friends, colleagues and loved ones. I always reflect on my own life and family during long flights over water, most of the lads just sleep, I never could and doubt I ever will. Being an Aberdonian from Dyce I have been brought up with the oil industry and many family members and friends are out there on a regular basis. My heart sinks every time the news breaks of another crash. You feel more involved when your local (although I have moved away now). Long term residents of Dyce vividly recal every one.

For those of you involved in the industry I hope that the investigation will help to improve your/our future safety.


Onward and Upward.

Tuscan (just visiting from Private Flying)

[snoopy1]

I am writing on behalf of our family who would just like to say we are thinking about the families of the Crew and Pax and so sorry for what you are going through. We too lost someone through similar unfortunate circumstances with G-Blun and we are very sorry to hear about another such tragedy and more losses of valuable human life. Our thoughts are with you.

[L'WAAPAM]

A Very sad day,

RIP guys and condolences to family and loved ones,

L'

[cyclicmick]

I would just like to add my condolences to the families of all those lost today.

[VeeAny]

Having read the other thread and following the suggestion from Splot that someone may wish to start another condolences thread, I will.

Regardless of who is involved in this awful incident I for one offer my condolences to their families and friends.

From several sources now (including his mother) I believe that one of my best friends was the Captain of this flight, I still hold on to a faint glimmer of hope that he and the others who are still missing will be found.

I sit with tears in my eyes as I type but we love you mate, and we are all hoping you will come home to us.

GS

[stan27]

Veeany, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. You have my deepest heartfelt sympathy and I pray that the miracle everyone is hoping for happens. This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts are with the families and friends of those left behind.

Stan

[alouette3]

Condolences and God speed to all who have gone. Hopes and prayers that there are survivors.
God Bless to those left behind:family,friends,colleagues and pilots around the world.
Alt3.

[Roadhouse]

Heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to family and friends of those who are lost and still missing. Having just gone through the same thing here in Newfoundland, I can very much relate to what those close to this accident are experiencing. Godspeed.

[Whirlygig]

G, my thoughts are with you and the family and friends of those who've died and those who are going through the agony of not knowing. I sincerely hope those missing will be found alive.

Sympathies,

Whirls

[Ned-Air2Air]

VeeAny - Sorry for the loss of your friend. Enjoy those memories you have of him as those can never be taken from you.

To all the friends, family, and work colleagues of those who died today I would like to extend our deepest sympathies for your losses from everyone here at HeliOps.

May your loved ones Rest in Peace and never be forgotten.

Ned
:(:(:(

[chester2005]

RIP all that are lost
Thoughts , prayers and heartfelt wishes to all that have lost

Chester:(

[Slotty]

Miss you guys. Sad day.

[Nuada]

All about this so tiny world and our common profession, our heads are bowed together.
God Bless all....

[Captain-Beanie]

Thoughts are with all the guys that sadly crossed over today, a sad day for us all...

[gwelo shamwari]

God Speed...

[S.M.S]

my condolences :(

[stabout]

Condolences and God speed a very sad day for all those involved. R.I.P

[T4 Risen]

vee any check pm's please.

[Rotormaniac]

I heard this morning that a member of the flight crew was a gentleman I had the greatest pleasure of knowing... my condolences are sent to the familiy and friends he left behind, rest in peace my friend we will always remember you.

[supapuma]

Get in touch...

"The other half"

[JimL]

So sorry for all concerned.

Jim

[papa68]

What a terrible tragedy to have occurred so quickly on the back of recent happenings. I can't imagine how those intimately involved must be coping right now.

My family's thoughts and prayers are with you all. For those of you venturing out to do your job, both pilots and oil rig workers, take care and get back to your families safely.

RIP
P68:(

[R44-pilot]

Condolences to all involved. Prayers going out to all involved, families and friends. :( R.I.P
Special prayers that they find some hope with the missing 8......

[Capt. Phuong]

Hi!
Deeply condolences for Their family and Bond also on a very sad day.

[collector]

Condolences to all involved...RIP :(

[Attila]

My most sincere condolences to all families, friends and colleagues at this sad, sad time.

[jock04]

My deepest condolences to the familes & friends of all involved.
R.I.P.

[BobbyBolkow]

Heard the news yesterday afternoon and spent the rest of the day in quiet reflection.
As a past (Old) Bond jockey I still know many of the guys up there and hoping against hope that it isn't any of my old buddies.
My thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones in this terrible tradgedy and with those at Bond who will have to work through this and pick up the pieces!
Another grey day for the industry.

Rest in peace guys and may the angels look after you.

[NorthSeaTiger]

Rest in Peace guys

NST

[helihog]

Condolences to all, my thoughts and prayers are with their familes, what a sad day.

[TipCap]

Having flown the North Sea for more years than I like to remember, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to all at Bond Offshore and the families affected by this tragedy.

Personally, I don't know too many of you guys across the road but rest assured you are in my thoughts.

I will think of the sadness you are going through and hope that the support we other pilots can give may be helpful at this time

TC

[rotorpol]

My condolences for all affected by this tragedy.

I hope our thoughts will help the families and friends of crew and passengers.

This is the tough part of our business..

Good trip wherever you go...

[DirtDiver]

My and mine collegues minds are with every one who is involled at this terrible accident!!

May the POB's RIP!

[NST]

As an Offshore worker I would just like to pass my condolences on to the families of the crew and passengers.

[g0lfer]

As an oil industry worker who flies helicopters for fun, I offer my condolences to all involved.

[PoloJamie]

My sincerest condolonces to everyone involved in this tragic event.

[VeeAny]

Now that Sky news have posted the names of the victims which have been released this afternoon, I think it appropriate to name my friend who was the captain of the aircraft, he was Paul Burnham who some of you will know from Biggin Hill Helicopters both during my time there and after I'd gone.

Several of us have been at his mums place in Kent for most of the day, where some members of his family have been (and officially still are, more of that later) waiting for news on Paul. His mum is stood here with me at the moment.

I cannot think of any words at the moment that will make this any better, I am sure some of us will come and write some words about him here in the next few days.

My thoughts are also with the families and friends of the others affected by this in particular those of Richard Menzies who was named as the Co Pilot.

[pitot212]

A very, very sad day indeed. I too would like to offer my condolences to all the families and loved ones involved.

[diginagain]

I, too would wish to offer my thoughts and condolences to the families and friends of those we lost yesterday. All of my colleagues shared a feeling of disbelief as the events unfolded, not far from where our rig is standing.

[Long Box Jock]

I too would like to offer my condolences. Especially to the Family and Friends of Paul, who I worked with and knew at Biggin. An outstanding pilot and individual. A really, really sad day.

[MightyGem]

A very sad time for all involved. Diginagain, glad to hear you are well.

[Lplates]

Like many other colleagues I'm still in shock and find it difficult to believe what has happened.

I only new PB for a short period but will always remember his friendly nature and how he would go out of his way to make the new guys feel welcome. It was fun flying with him.

He certainly has many close friends here and will be truly missed.

Thoughts of RM's family at this time also.

[Big Tudor]

Sincerest condolences to all families and friends. Many of those on board were close colleagues of my brother.

Once again the North Sea oil family has lost sons. May they rest in peace and may those who are grieving be blessed with the healing that only time can bring. Their memory will carry on forever.

[biscuit74]

LIke Tuscan I spent quite a few years, maybe too many, flying as SLF out to N Sea rigs & platforms.
I knew several members of the drill crew who were killed yesterday. Sometimes the price is high.
We will mourn you all.

As well as the families and friends of those killed, my thoughts are also with those still out there waiting to return, or about to head out. Nerve wracking at a time like this.
Many passengers know little about aviation, and I know many retain hidden fears.

[Bally Heck]

The flag that hung half-mast today
Seemed animate with being
As if it knew for whom it flew
And will no more be seeing.

(Betjeman)

With sorrow for the pain of the bereaved.

[Ioan]

RIP Rich, you were a fantastic guy who we'll remember always. Still can't believe this has happened. My thoughts and condolences for the friends and family of everyone on board.

[TiPwEiGhT]

My thoughts are with the family and friends of those lost.

May you rest in peace.

Fly safe all,

TiP:(

[neilia]

My thoughts and condolences to all the friends and family of those lost. I knew RM briefly through ATPL theory, a lovely guy who loved helicopters and was completely dedicated to his goal of North Sea flying.
A very sad day.

[BOOMER1]

My thoughts and prayers for all involved, on this yet another dark day in aviation.

[SARCO]

Had high spirits after Feb 18th, now crushed and saddened after this week.

My thoughts are with you all.

[fluffy5]

my condolences, I met Paul a couple of times, great chap.

fluffy

[RotorsRunning]

I knew Paul briefly during his time at BHH, a great guy, my condolences to the friends & families of all involved.

RR.

[Sgtfrog]

Paul,
I can't believe you're gone, I will miss you mate...

"May whatever you believe in protect you in the dark places that you must walk."
(Anon)

SF

[rapman]

My heart goes out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones in this very sad and tragic accident.

Unfortunately I know all to well the pain that they are suffering. In time you will take some comfort from the findings of the AAIB who will investigate this accident in a professional and meticulous manner.

R.I.P.

[Bravo 99]

I tought Richard to fly and i was asked for a recomendation for him for the post, of which without hesitiation he got my praises.
He was a bright enthusiastic inteligent and able pilot, larger than life, he was like a younger brother to me, words fail me at his loss

RIP dear friend I hope the time that you had on the rigs was all that you expected.

our thoughts are with K his father and all of the family at this tragic time.also with paul and his family and all of the miller crew at this time.

AJB & CHB

[vulcan558xh]

And if I go while you're still here...

Know that I still live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
behind a thin veil you cannot see through.

You will not see me,
so you must have faith.

I wait the time when we can soar together again,
both aware of each other.

Until then, live your life to the fullest.
And when you need me,
just whisper my name in your heart,
....I will be there.

Colleen Hitchcock

[maxwelg2]

I thought it fitting that we should have a poem/lament from our national bard. I'm sure Rabbie Burns wouldn't mind me sharing this one.

This is called "A Mother's Lament", and for me applies to anyone who is taken away from us too soon.

Fate gave the word, the arrow sped,
And pierc'd my darling's heart;
And with him all the joys are fled
Life can to me impart.

By cruel hands the sapling drops,
In dust dishonour'd laid;
So fell the pride of all my hopes,
My age's future shade.

The mother-linnet in the brake
Bewails her ravish'd young;
So I, for my lost darling's sake,
Lament the live-day long.

Death, oft I've feared thy fatal blow.
Now, fond, I bare my breast;
O, do thou kindly lay me low
With him I love, at rest!

May all the friends and family take some comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones are in the prayers of many across the world and this industry, especially over here in Newfoundland where we are still mourning the loss of our fellow colleagues on Cougar 491.

God Bless.

[chcoffshore]

RIP gentlemen, a very sad loss.

[Senior Pilot]

BBC Report (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7997950.stm) on the memorial service:

The 16 men who died in the North Sea helicopter crash disaster were called "heroes" at a memorial service.

Prince Charles and Prime Minister Gordon Brown joined hundreds of relatives of the victims at the Kirk of St Nicholas in Aberdeen.

A candle was lit in memory of each of the men who died as their names were read aloud.

The men died when their Super Puma crashed off the Aberdeenshire coast two weeks ago.

Camilla, Duchess of Rothesay, and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond were also in attendance at the memorial, as were about 100 workers from the Miller platform, from which the helicopter had been returning.

A screen was erected on Union Street to relay the service outside, and was watched by hundreds more people.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Andrew Jolly, chaplain to the North Sea oil and gas industry.

He said: "This occasion must be for us all today a time of great sadness and sorrow.

"Those of us here and those who join us outside and offshore and around the world cannot begin to imagine the pain and sorrow the relatives of those who perished on 1 April, 2009 must be feeling at this time."

He said those affected would never forget what had happened.

He added of the book of condolence: "It's important I believe at this time that such a book is created, for it serves to remind us of those who are the heroes of this industry.

"They have paid the ultimate price for the richness harvested below the seabed."

Mr Jolly said he would fly out to the Miller platform on Thursday to conduct a further memorial for those who could not attend.

Wednesday's service also honoured a 17th man who died in an unrelated offshore accident on the same day as the Bond Super Puma accident. David Stephenson, 44, of Willow Bridge, Northumberland, was a crewman on the Well Servicer, operated by Technip.

Speaking after the service, Mr Salmond said: "Today's service was an important opportunity for the families, friends and colleagues of those lost in this tragic accident to come together and remember them.

"The service was simple, dignified and enormously moving. It will mean a great deal to the families, as will the turnout from thousands of people to make their own tribute.

"Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims, and also with those in the emergency and voluntary services whose heroic efforts on the day of the accident sadly proved to be in vain."

He added: "Safety is the ultimate priority for those who work in the North Sea. Let that stand as a memorial we can give to the lives of those who died so tragically in this accident."

Aberdeen businessman Sir Ian Wood, chairman of the multi-million pound energy services firm John Wood Group, said: "The first emotion from the oil and gas industry is deep sorrow and sympathy for the families."

He said a safe environment was needed in the industry.

The memorial, which started at 1400 BST, was broadcast live on BBC Two Scotland, BBC Radio Scotland Medium Wave and on the BBC news website.

The Super Puma helicopter had been returning from BP's Miller oil platform when it crashed about 11 miles north east of Peterhead on 1 April.

All 14 passengers and two crew members on board were killed.

Eight of the victims came from the north east of Scotland, seven from the rest of the UK, and one from Latvia.

Early discussions have taken place on a possible permanent memorial for the victims of the Super Puma crash.

The matter will be discussed by the newly-formed Helicopter Accident Issues Task Group.

On Tuesday, Grampian Police said the bodies of 13 of the victims were being returned to their families. They said the other three would be released as soon as possible.

The wreckage was recovered from the seabed. It included the black box flight recorder, the fuselage with the engines and rotor gearbox attached, the separated rotor head with the main rotor blades still attached, and the separated tail.

An initial report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch found the helicopter had suffered a "catastrophic" failure in its main rotor gearbox.

[Exo.]

I had one of my first flights in the UK with Paul at BHH. He was a good man and a good pilot. As a reminder of why I wanted to fly in the first place, I still have the interview he did years ago in the newspaper.

My condolences to the friends and family of all those involved.

[VeeAny]

Shortly after the accident it was decided to dedicate the 'Helicopter Safety Uk' website, research and safety events in memory of Paul Burnham.

I have only just recently put together a short page on the site about Paul, it can be found here Helicopter Safety | Dedicated to Captain Paul Burnham (http://www.helicoptersafety.org/dedication.asp).

It is my way to ensure we do not forget and to honour a good friend.

[Earl of Rochester]

A memorial fund for 16 men who died when a Bond Helicopters Super Puma helicopter crashed in the North Sea on 1st April 2009 has raised £370,000.

BBC News - North Sea helicopter crash fund raises £370,000 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-10828179)