Forty-five men killed when their helicopter plunged into the North Sea 30 years ago have been remembered at a memorial service in Aberdeen.

Just two people survived the Chinook crash off Shetland on November 6, 1986.

The service at St Nicholas Kirk on Saturday, which is held annually for everyone killed in the offshore industry, had a special focus on the tragedy.

It also marked the death of Iain Stuart, 41, from Laurencekirk, who was killed when his helicopter went down off the coast of Norway in April.

The 167 men killed in the Piper Alpha disaster were also remembered, alongside those who died in two recent North Sea helicopter crashes which claimed 20 lives.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Together, as a nation and with great sadness, we remember the tragic events of 30 years ago when 45 men lost their lives in the Sumburgh helicopter disaster.

“In the intervening years, a number of measures have been introduced to improve the safety of offshore workers, including a comprehensive review of offshore helicopter flying by the CAA.

“However, that does not take away the pain of the families who were bereaved 30 years ago.

“Today, my thoughts are very much with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in 1986.”

Gordon Craig, chaplain to the oil and gas industry, said: “There is a definite sense of community at these services.

“We have family who have lost loved-ones recently and others who lost people more than 30 years ago all coming together and they share the same experience.

“Those who are feeling very low at the moment can get some comfort knowing that in the years to come they shall not be forgotten and neither will their loved-ones.”

Pilot Pushp Vaid was one of the two survivors of the 1986 Boeing Chinook disaster, which remains the worst offshore helicopter crash in history.

Earlier this week, he told STV News that the he tragedy might have been avoided if not for a last minute change to the Chinook’s flight plan.

Source: stv.tv