Ceremony Sunday to mark anniversary of HMCS Kootenay explosion

On Oct. 23, 1969, the naval vessel was taking part in sea trials off the coast of England when there was a blast

CITYnews halifax\ Meghan Groff

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A ceremony will be held Sunday in Point Pleasant Park to mark the 53rd anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy’s worst peacetime accident.

On Oct. 23, 1969, HMCS Kootenay was taking part in sea trials off the coast of England when there was a blast on the naval vessel, resulting in fire with toxic smoke.

The explosion was caused by a part in the gearbox that had been improperly installed, causing it to overheat.

Nine crewmen were killed and another 53 were seriously injured.

Explosion survivors, members of the public, local military leadership and local political representatives will gather at the Bonaventure Anchor Memorial at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

The commemorative service will include a poem, eulogy, a moment of silence and other acts of remembrance, followed by a laying of flowers.