I just got back from a morning walk, while out I was listening to the CBC Radio show, “The Current”, where they were discussing the Ocean Ranger disaster.
I can hardly believe it’s been that long, but, 30 years ago today, February 15th, all 84 men on board died, when the drilling rig, the Ocean Ranger, sank.
“Valentine’s Day, 1982: a terrible storm rages off the coast of Newfoundland. On the Grand Banks, the Ocean Ranger, the world’s mightiest drilling rig, is pounded by waves more than 20 metres high. At the height of the storm, the “indestructible” rig begins to tip over, then capsizes. All 84 men on board — 56 of them from Newfoundland — perish. It is Canada’s worst tragedy at sea since the Second World War.” * CBC Digital Archives
For most of us it was shock, disbelief and hours glued to our televisions hoping those on board would be saved. Then incredulity upon learning all had perished.
There were no survival suits onboard as the men headed out into the howling winds, bitter cold and blizzard conditions.
Of the 84 victims, 22 bodies were recovered.
For the families and friends of the 84 men that died in this infamous disaster, those cold February days will live with them forever.
I am Remembering…
I remember it so well, too. God be with their families today as they remember.
Hard to believe it has been 30 years. Looking back , so much has happened in our lives. Hopefully the families of those aboard the Ocean Ranger are now able to reflect on that day with benefit of healing time.
Thanks for posting.
The Ocean Ranger went down a few years before I was born, but being a Newfoundlander myself, I’ve always known about it and we always take a moment every year to remember those lost that day. February is always a sad month for history. The USS Truxton and USS Pollux also went down off the coast of the Burin Peninsula where I am from, on the 18th of February in 1942, this year marking it’s 70th anniversary of the sinkings. Always an honor to have a tribute to these disasters and nice to see they are never forgotten.
Terri, thanks for your kind comments. I’m ashamed to say I am not familiar with the The USS Truxton and USS Pollux tragedies, but, I’m off to familiarize myself now. Thank you for sharing this.
I truly appreciate this blog post.Thanks Again. Great.