20 years ago eleven men died when a helicopter leaving the Cormorant Alpha platform crashed into the sea.
The crash remains one of the worst disasters to effect the north sea oil industry, with only five passengers and one crew member surviving.
Prayers were said for the men who died during the daily prayer service at the Oil and Gas Chaplaincy at the Kirk of St Nicholas.
Reverend Stephen Taylor said they would be praying for “all the victims and their families.”
The helicopter flew out in winds blowing at up to 55 knots with waves reaching 13 metres. The flight only lasted 55 seconds, and passengers had no warning of the impending crash.
Ten passengers and two crew members were able to evacuate, but due to the extreme conditions of the water, only half the men we taken from the water alive in lifeboats, 40 minutes later.
The pilot was criticised by the Ait Accident Investigation Branch, for performing a rushed and hazardous flight manoeuvre which resulted in the crash.
A report said irritation and exhaustion may have been part of the reason for his error.
By Rachel Coorey
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