Remembering the tragic helicopter crash of 2002

 

 

by Revd Peter Paine and Yvonne.Hill

Photos supplied by Roger Hill

On Friday 16^th July, a short service took place at St Nicholas Church to remember a helicopter crash that occurred on 16^th July 2002. The disaster claimed the lives of 9 gas platform workers and 2 helicopter crew who were returning from work on the gas platforms. The Port Chaplain, Revd Peter Paine, was involved  at the incident and made a promise to the families that the 11 men would not be forgotten.

 

 

 

The short service which was conducted by Revd Peter Paine, was attended by 17 friends and colleagues who gathered around the ‘Living Porch’ at the west door of the church to once again remember this terrible loss of life.

 

 

The Porch is a living memorial to the 11 men who lost their lives and records the incident with a poem that was written by friends after the event. The Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Michael Jeal, laid a wreath and, with emotion in his voice, read the poem to all those present.