ATUC lays wreath to remember lives lost in the Bond Helicopter crash

Tommy Campbell, President of Aberdeen Trades Union Council. along with Offshore Workers' and Trade Union representatives laid wreaths at the  Bond helicopter accident memorial in Johnston Gardens, Aberdeen on Wednesday 1st April 2026, where mourners gathered to mark the seventeenth anniversary of the Bond offshore helicopter fatal accident off the coast of Peterhead.

Tommy said: "Our thoughts are still with the families, work colleagues and friends who lost loved ones and are still affected by this horrific fatal helicopter accident. 

"The accident has had a catastrophic effect on the local community and is not the only fatal helicopter crash to have occurred over the recent past. 

"It should never be forgotten that the helicopter operator was supposed to replace part of the gearbox just a week before this fatal accident. They failed to carry out this necessary replacement due to a  lack of communication with the aircraft manufacturer Eurocopter. 

"Had the helicopter operator taken precautions and followed the agreed procedures and communications the deaths of the offshore workers and pilots could have been avoided."

Tommy added: "It is so important that we remember those lost and the affect their loss has had on the families and their communities. 

"The Aberdeen TUC continues to support all the offshore based Trade Unions who are still demanding a full public inquiry into helicopter safety in the UK offshore oil and gas industry. "