Today, Tuesday, February 15 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Ocean Ranger Tragedy.
The Ocean Ranger sank off the provinces coast on February 15, 1982 during a winter storm killing all 84 crew onboard.
Chris Williams, who now lives in Virginia, says he was inspired to write the song, “Heroes of the Ocean Ranger” after hearing news about the upcoming 40th anniversary. He and his brother Urban wrote and produced the song together.
He says the story is about a boy’s tribute to his father who was lost in the tragedy and the effects of the tragedy on families. As well, he says the song explores the rigging company’s role, also the message that nothings safe 200 miles from shore.
Williams, just like everybody, remembers when they found out about the Ocean Ranger.
He describes the song a look of “horror” on a mother’s face and the sense of what is happening. He says we are used to the disasters at sea in the province, but that doesn’t make it any easier.