Families, politicians mark anniversary of Cougar tragedy

Four years after Cougar helicopter flight 491 crashed into the North Atlantic, killing 17 people, the families of the victims are remembering those who died, and Newfoundland and Labrador's opposition politicians say the province is dragging its feet on improving offshore safety.

The Sikorsky S-92 helicopter was carrying 18 people when it crashed into the ocean southeast of St. John's on the morning of March 12, 2009. Robert Decker was the lone survivor.

The Transportation Safety Board said problems with the helicopter's main gearbox caused the crash. 

Tributes left on fence

On Tuesday, family members of the victims left flowers, photographs, and messages to their loved ones on the chain-link fence outside Cougar Helicopters' headquarters at St. John's International Airport.

Danny Breen, a St. John's councillor, lost his brother Peter in the crash. Breen recalled the range of emotions his family experienced as they went from hope to despair on that day. He also noted that the families of the victims have made some unexpected bonds with each other.

"Harold Mullowney, the mayor of Bay Bulls, someone who I had never met before who had a brother on the helicopter," said Breen. "We've [both] become involved in municipal affairs and that's the kind of things that happen, and you feel a connection to those people because they've experienced something similar to what you have."

Breen said the anniversary is also a chance to remind authorities about the recommendations of the 2010 inquiry into the crash, led by Justice Robert Wells, which included establishing an independent offshore safety regulator. 

Politicians spar on report recommendations

Meanwhile at the House of Assembly, opposition politicians said there has been no movement on the creation of a safety agency, separate from the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB).

The C-NLOPB is both an advocate for the offshore oil industry and the safety regulator for the industry, a concern noted by Wells.

"I ask the premier, you said in the past that amendments would have to be made to the Atlantic Accord to set up this safety regulator," said Liberal Leader Dwight Ball. "So what have you done to make this happen?"

"We continue to press the issue with the federal government, Mr. Speaker," said Dunderdale. "But concurrence hasn't happened up to this point. We firmly support the establishment of an independent safety regulator."

Memorial, night flights raised in legislature

Ball also asked the premier why a memorial to the victims, promised in the 2010 Throne Speech, has not yet been built. Dunderdale responded that the government is still consulting with the families of the victims on the matter.

NDP Leader Lorraine Michael pressed the premier on whether the province would take a stand against the oil industry's request to the C-NLOPB that helicopters resume night flights to oil platforms on the Grand Banks, something that has been suspended since the 2009 tragedy.

'It's not an issue that we're going to play politics with, particularly on this day' —N.L. premier Kathy Dunderdale

"This is not an issue that we take lightly, and it's not an issue that we're going to play politics with, particularly on this day, Mr. Speaker," answered Dunderdale. "We have confidence in the C-NLOPB and we will continue to press the federal government." 

A memorial service for victims of the crash will be held at the Salvation Army Citadel in St. John's on Tuesday evening.