Today marks the 13th anniversary of the crash of Cougar Flight 491.

On the morning of March 12th, 2009, a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter, heading to the Newfoundland offshore with 18 people on board, encountered a problem with its main gearbox, which was losing oil pressure.

Despite the fact that the helicopter was supposed to have a 30-minute run-dry time, the main gearbox failed and the helicopter crashed into the ocean while en route back to St. John’s. There was one survivor, Robert Decker.

In a Facebook post today, he again thanked “all the people who helped with my rescue and recovery.”

NOIA president Charlene Johnson says the loss of Cougar Flight 491 has had “a profound and lasting impact” on the province and the offshore industry.

A virtual memorial service is being held today, with details available on the Eastern Chaplaincy website.

In the meantime, people are being asked to pause for a moment today to share in a time of remembrance for those who lost their lives.