Ceremonies, vigils planned to mark 25th anniversary of Swiss Air disaster

CITYnews halifax \ By Mark Hodgins

Ceremonies and vigils are happening in the Halifax area this weekend marking 25 years since an airline disaster many Nova Scotians will never forget.

It was on Sept. 2, 1998 that Swiss Air flight 111 crashed into the dark ocean waters near the mouth of St. Margaret’s Bay just over an hour into a trip from New York to Geneva. All 229 people on board, including many American and Swiss nationals, died instantly.

The response was immediate, with many locals jumping in thier boats to help Coast Guard and military crews search for any survivors.

Officials will be holding a candlelight tribute in honour of the victims on Saturday night at the Bayswater memorial. The federal veterans’ affairs minister will be there, joined by representatives from the RCMP, the military and families of those who died.

Another ceremony is scheduled for Sunday morning at the memorial near Peggy’s Cove.

The crash, which was ultimately blamed on arcing wires in the in-flight entertainment system, led to substantial changes in aviation aimed at preventing a similar disaster from ever happening again.

Premier Tim Houston released a statement, paying tribute to the victims of the tragedy and those who offered help following the crash.

“As we pause to reflect on the loss of so many bright lights, I want to extend the deepest sympathies of all Nova Scotians to the families and loved ones of the victims,” he said. “May their memory be a comfort at this difficult time, and please know that Nova Scotians hold you in their hearts.”