News / Helicopter crash anniversary
A SERVICE of dedication is to be held on Saturday to mark the anniversary of last year’s helicopter crash, in which four offshore workers died.
The Super Puma L2 with 18 people on board crashed into the sea off Fitful Head while approaching Sumburgh airport on the afternoon of 23 August 2013.
Exactly one year later, at 4.45pm, a short service will be held at the Sumburgh Airport memorial site.
This will be followed by a wreath being placed in the sea at the accident site.
A number of search and rescue helicopters based in Shetland will carry out a fly past as the wreath is laid.
Airport manager Nigel Flaws said: “As we approach the anniversary of the helicopter crash, we are extending an invitation to members of the local community who may wish to join us in paying their respects to those who lost their lives in this incident.”
The Sumburgh Airport memorial was only unveiled in May last year and is dedicated to those who lost their lives in aircraft accidents in Shetland over the past three decades.
The accident last year triggered extensive safety reviews, which led to a number of safety rules for offshore helicopter flights being tightened.
As of 1 September offshore workers have to be equipped with new emergency breathing systems when flying to North Sea installations.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
