Ocean Ranger
 

Today is the 30th anniversary of the Ocean Ranger loss off Newfoundland. For those of you who may have been there at the time, I am sure it brings back terrible memories. It was the longest day and night of my life, yet paled in comparison to the families of the lost crew.

The storm that raged left most of the companies helpless to try and reach them.

The offshore was the beginning of a big dream and the Ocean Ranger quickly brought us to the terrible reality of the business as experienced in other parts of the world.

I worked there for almost seven years and still stay in touch with some of the most wonderful people I have ever met in my life. They taught me lessons that are with me today.

I hope that you take a moment to remember.

Gerry

I never forget it. I was there with the Navy as a young Avionics Tech supporting the Sea King operations. It was truly terrifying... I was afraid for my very life. It is difficult to try and imagine what those souls went through.

In a way, the experience helped shape my life.

Ocean Ranger brings chills to my spine. I was about 11 at the time and I remember vividly the CBC feed from the helicopter news team. The capsized rig was my first real image of loss of life on a grand scale. And so close to home.