Six crew members – Captain Alistair Mackie, Captain Robin Rusk, winch operator Stan Ormiston, winchman Robert Marfleet, Dr Alan Farquharson and medical assistant Jeff Hagen – were all lost when their aircraft entered the sea on 14 September 1982.
Fully prepared for a winch rescue operation in difficult conditions, the helicopter was travelling from its base – a floating accommodation facility located in the same oilfield as the ship. During the journey however, the aircraft was lost from radio and visual contact.
To mark the fortieth anniversary, representatives from His Majesty’s Coastguard and aircraft operator Bristow Helicopters gathered in a small private ceremony at Sumburgh, to remember those who were lost and lay a wreath.
Captain Martin Shepherd, who attended the event said: “We will never forget the service of these six who gave their lives while striving to save others. Their courage and bravery in the commitment of going to the aid of someone who needed help will always be remembered and is a solemn reminder of how much serving others can cost.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who died for whom an anniversary can serve as a painful reminder of those lives so tragically cut short.”
