Sole survivor of helicopter crash to testify this morning before inquiry The Telegram

Left, Robert Decker (right), the sole survivor of the March 12 helicopter crash off Newfoundland, arrives with his lawyer Dan Simmons to testify before the inquiry into offshore helicopter safety this morning in St. John’s. Right, a screen grab of Robert Decker testifying. — Photos by Joe Gibbons/The Telegram

Robert Decker, the sole survivor of the March 12 helicopter crash off Newfoundland that claimed the lives of 17 people, will be testifying before the inquiry into offshore helicopter safety this morning in St. John’s.
Decker will give his first public account of what happened during Cougar Helicopters’ Flight 491 that was heading to the Hibernia and White Rose oilfields before the Sikorsky S-92A helicopter developed problems and crashed into the ocean after attempting to return to land.
During the first day of the inquiry hearings on Oct.19, inquiry lawyer Anne Fagan said Decker will outline the events of the flight from the time trouble became evident to his rescue.
“He will describe the flight back towards land, the crash of the helicopter into the ocean, his escape and ascent to the surface,” Fagan said. “Mr. Decker will explain how the cold water affected his ability to access features of the survival suit, such as the gloves, face hood, and flotation collar.”
Fagan had noted Decker will also provide an account of his rescue by a Cougar Helicopters search and rescue crew, and will describe his injuries and recuperation.
The families of most of the crash victims are expected to attend today’s hearing. As well, media have been gathering at the inquiry offices since early this morning with as many as 20 reporters, plus media crews, expected to be on hand for Decker’s testimony.