Friday 29 March 2024
 6.5°C   ENE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Memorial at Sumburgh for helicopter crash victims

Over 100 people gathered to remember the four people who died in last year's tragic accident. Photo: Malcolm Younger

SURVIVORS of last year’s tragic helicopter crash just south of Sumburgh have paid tribute to the Shetland community following a dedication service marking the incident’s first anniversary.

Four people were killed when the Super Puma helicopter they were travelling in ditched in the sea around two miles south of Fitful Head on 23 August 2013.

Duncan Munro, 46, from Bishop Auckland, Sarah Darnley, 45, from Elgin, Gary McCrossan, 59, from Inverness, and George Allison, 57, from Winchester, all lost their lives.

The incident prompted widespread concerns about helicopter safety within the offshore oil industry.

Five survivors of the tragic accident were among over 100 people in attendance at the dedication service on Saturday afternoon, along with representatives of the local emergency services and Shetland Islands Council.

A short statement issued on behalf of the survivors read: “We are all here to pay our respects to those who lost their lives that night.

“We are grateful to have the chance to meet and thank the brave crew members who helped us.

“The whole Shetland community rallied around us in a time of need and we would like to express our deep gratitude to so many people – coastguard, RNLI, hospital staff, police, workers at Sumburgh Airport, Red Cross – for everything.”

The short service was held at the airport’s memorial site, which is dedicated to those who have lost their lives in aircraft accidents in Shetland over the past three decades. It was conducted by the Fishermen’s Mission’s superintendent Aubrey Jamieson.

A dedication plaque with the names of those who died was unveiled, while a wreath was placed in the sea at the accident site by the airport’s fire service staff from their fast rescue boat. Search and rescue helicopters carried out a fly past as the wreath was laid.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Jamieson told BBC Radio Shetland: “I think a year on is probably one of the hardest anniversaries that anybody in grief, or following a tragedy like this, will ever have to face, so I think it’s very important that it’s been marked in this way.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.