It was nearly 44 years ago that the Ocean Ranger oil rig sank off Newfoundland, claiming 84 lives, most of whom were from Newfoundland and Labrador.
There will be two events today to remember the victims.
The rig began listing on Valentine’s Day, and sank in the icy North Atlantic early the next day, February 15, 1982 during a vicious storm.
Gonzaga High School will be holding its annual prayer service at 1:00 at the Basilica. The service will be livestreamed and the link will be posted to the church’s website.
Wreath-laying at the Ocean Ranger memorial outside Confederation Building. (VOCM News)
Following that service, there will be a wreath-laying at the Ocean Ranger Memorial at Confederation Building beginning at 3:00. Visitors are asked to check in at the Visitor’s Entrance.
The late Justice Alex Hickman chaired an inquiry into the sinking and made numerous recommendations, many of which were focused on training and communications on the rigs, and search and rescue capabilities
