WORKERS gathered in Aberdeen today to remember the dead and fight for the living on the 15th anniversary of the fatal Bond helicopter crash.

Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) laid a wreath in the city’s Johnston Gardens to honour the two crew and 14 offshore rig workers killed when poor maintenance led the helicopter taking them home to suffer catastrophic gearbox failure over the North Sea off the coast of Peterhead on April 1 2009.

ATUC spokesman Tommy Campbell  said: “Our thoughts are still with the families, work colleagues and friends who are still affected by this horrific accident.  

“It should never be forgotten that the helicopter operator  was supposed to replace part of the gearbox just a week before the accident. They  failed to do so due to a  lack of communication with the aircraft manufacturer Eurocopter.

“Had the helicopter operator taken precautions, including following agreed procedures and communications, these deaths  could  have been avoided.  

 “The ATUC 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.”