Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the Ocean Ranger, and two Newfoundland brothers are marking the solemn anniversary with a song.

The Ocean Ranger sank off the province’s coast on February 15, 1982, during a winter storm, killing all 84 crew on board.

Chris Williams, who now lives in Virginia, says he was inspired to write the song, “Heroes of the Ocean Ranger,” after hearing news stories about the upcoming 40th anniversary.

Williams and his brother, Urban, wrote and produced the song together.

He says the story is a boy’s tribute to his father, who was lost in the tragedy, and the effects of the tragedy on families.

As well, he says the song explores the rigging company’s role, but also the message that “nothing’s safe 200 miles from shore.”

Williams says just like everybody remembers where they were when President Kennedy was shot, or when 9/11 happened, everyone remembers when they found out about the Ocean Ranger.

He describes in the song a look of “horror” on a mother’s face, and the sense of “this can’t be happening.”

He says we are used to disasters at sea in this province, but that doesn’t make them any easier.