Another grim anniversary in the offshore oil and gas industry will be recognized this coming week.

March 12th marks the 11th anniversary of the crash of Cougar Flight 491.

There were 18 people on board the flight heading to the offshore, when the crew were notified that oil in the main gearbox had run dry.

The crew turned back toward St. John’s, but issued a Pan Pan a short time later, indicating they were ditching in the water.

The crash claimed the lives of 17 passengers and crew. There was one survivor.

The tragedy sparked an intensive inquiry into helicopter safety in the offshore and prompted major changes in the helicopter and offshore industries.

Eastern Chaplaincy is hosting it’s 11th annual memorial service this Thursday at Elim Pentecostal Tabernacle on Kenmount Road at 7:00 p.m.