Tomorrow (Saturday, February 15) marks the 38th anniversary of the Ocean Ranger’s sinking off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government joins all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as we remember the 84 lives that were tragically lost on this day in 1982.
The annual Ocean Ranger memorial prayer service will be held today (Friday, February 14) at 10:45 a.m. at St. Pius X Church in St. John’s.
Quotes
“Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends who lost their loved ones as a result of the Ocean Ranger tragedy 38 years ago. A priority for our government is the health and safety of offshore workers. We want to ensure a strong health and safety culture in our offshore industries and we will continue to make necessary improvements so family and friends can have peace of mind as their loved ones work in our challenging ocean environment.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“We remember those lost on the Ocean Ranger 38 years ago. This tragedy will forever impact the lives of so many and will forever make us acutely aware of the power of the sea. It has also taught us lessons that are helping to inspire better emergency procedures and enhanced emergency training for our offshore workers. We will continue to ensure safety is paramount in our offshore.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister of Natural Resources
“It was 38 years ago that this province witnessed the worst offshore drilling accident in Canadian history. The tragedy of the Ocean Ranger is still felt deeply among many and speaks to the need for a strong health and safety culture in all workplaces. The offshore can be unpredictable and unforgiving, and I want to honour the memory of those lost as we continue to work toward enhancing workplace safety.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL
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Media Contacts
Jeremy Reynolds
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca
Lisa Lawlor
Natural Resources
709-729-5777, 631-8155
lisalawlor@gov.nl.ca
Krista Dalton
Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca