Forty years ago this morning, the province awoke to news that the Ocean Ranger oil rig, with 84 men on board, was gone.

Lloyd Major was a medic and radio operator on the rig and, as fate would have it, finished his three-week stint three days before she went down.

He says he can only imagine the shock of what was happening.

Major says he can visualize the panic, noting most of the autopsies showed the cause of death being heart attack.

Newfoundland Offshore Industries Association CEO Charlene Johnson says it is the responsibility of those working in the industry today to learn from tragedies like the Ocean Ranger and strive for innovation in safety practices.

NOIA supports the Ocean Ranger Memorial Fund for initiatives such as the creation of a new scholarship and memorial outdoor classroom.

Meanwhile, Major says he does look forward, in a solemn way, to reading the list of names of his lost friends, many of whom were like family, during the annual Gonzaga ceremony.

That event has been delayed until 1 p.m. due to weather. Seating is limited but it will also be streamed online.