Fleetwood is very good at remembering notable points in history, whether good or bad. The Helicopter Crash Memorial on The Esplanade is one of the monuments and statues in the town.
Find the memorial sited just at the left of the RNLI station on Fleetwood sea front. It joins other tributes on the Wyre coastline, marking the tragic loss of life through the generations to the power of the Irish Sea.
Helicopter Crash Memorial
On 27 December 2006, a helicopter was picking up workers from the rig in Morecambe Bay. Unfortunately it crashed into the Irish Sea nearly 20 miles off the coast at Cleveleys.
The volunteers at Fleetwood RNLI had enjoyed a quiet Christmas holiday with their families when their pagers broke their peace. The crew launched their Tyne class all-weather lifeboat, William Street and searched the area, along with flank RNLI crews from Barrow and Lytham. Other rescue vessels from the nearby gas field and the RAF search and rescue helicopter joined them.
Despite volunteers searching the area in very challenging conditions for nearly 22 hours, there were, sadly, no survivors. Six bodies were recovered before the search was called off by HM Coastguard.
RNLI life boatmen from Fleetwood brought the bodies of the seven men back to shore at Fleetwood. That’s why Sandra Potton, wife of the pilot Steve Potton, chose the spot adjacent to Fleetwood Lifeboat Station for the memorial.
Unveiling the memorial
After meetings with Lancashire County Council and Wyre Council, Sandra’s plans came to fruition.
FREE Newsletter
FREE Newsletter
At 3pm on Wednesday 1 February 2012 the monument was unveiled at a special service. Sandra performed the unveiling and the Mayor of Wyre was in attendance. Head Boys and Girls from Fleetwood High, Cardinal Allen and Rossall Schools attended. Rev Michael Payne, then of Cleveleys Park Methodist Church, performed a short dedication service.
Sandra met the not inconsiderable cost of the memorial herself. It’s a lectern style, dark grey granite plinth. Etched into it are illustrations of a helicopter, gas rig and an RNLI boat. Poignantly, there’s also a forget-me-not flower.
The brave men who lost their lives in the disaster are individually commemorated. It’s a permanent reminder for generations to come.
The men were Robert Warburton, 60, of Heysham, Lancashire; Leslie Ahmed, 48, from South Shields, Tyneside; John Shaw, 51, from Kirkcaldy, Fife; Alfred Neasham, 57, from County Durham and Keith Smith, 57, from Stockton-on-Tees.
An inquest in 2009 found the men died as the result of an accident.
Remembering the Tragedy, 15 years on
Sandra Potton, wife of pilot Steve, has kept in touch with the RNLI crew at Fleetwood. In December ’21 she met up with some of those involved in the search to wish them a safe and peaceful Christmas.
Sandra says: “Time may have passed, but I’ll never forget the selflessness and commitment of all the RNLI crews and the other emergency services that day. I’m really touched that 15 years on they still remember me and all those who sadly passed away during this dreadful incident. It’s really humbling to meet up with some of those who helped with the search so many years on and wish them all a peaceful Christmas.
“It’s amazing to think these people are ready to respond to their pagers at a moment’s notice, at Christmas or any time of the year. We never know when we may need their help, so I really hope people give generously to this year’s Christmas appeal. Sadly, this wasn’t the outcome any of them wanted. But as a charity the RNLI really needs continued support to help them go out and save lives at sea.’
Disaster at Christmas
Fleetwood RNLI volunteers met with Sandra at the memorial on Fleetwood promenade to pay their respects. Crew member Gary Randles, who was on the call out says:
“It had been a quiet family Christmas, catching up with friends and neighbours and the last thing we expected was the RNLI pager going off. You know someone is in trouble straight away, so you don’t hesitate for a second and suddenly your Christmas is over. When disaster strikes over Christmas it’s a constant annual reminder for affected families. Whilst most families celebrate over the festive holiday, others feel the pain and loss of their loved ones, taken suddenly and without warning.
“It’s also quite relevant to me personally, as I now work off-shore and transfer by helicopter regularly. Such was the bond forged by the disaster, families of the deceased are still in contact with the volunteers from Fleetwood RNLI to this day. This is why we wanted to go to the site and pay our respects as they are in our thoughts constantly.
“Being on call at Christmas is not really something we think about, it’s just part of the job and being able to help someone is the best gift you can give to someone. Thankfully it’s only down to the generosity of those who support us we can continue doing what we do.’
Can you help?
Over the past decade, RNLI lifeboats have launched over 1,200 times during the festive period. But these rescues would not be possible without donations from the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews all year round.
With thousands of volunteers around the UK and Ireland, each RNLI crew member signs up to save everyone from drowning. It’s been the charity’s mission since 1824.
With the increase in staycations and more people than ever heading to the coast, it’s been an exceptionally busy year for our crews. Even at Christmas, RNLI lifesavers are ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice and rush to the aid of someone in trouble on the water. At this time of year, the weather’s at its worst and lives are on the line.
To donate to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, visit: RNLI.org/Xmas
While you’re here…
What do you think? Why don’t you join in and leave a comment below?
Have a look at the homepage of the Visit Fleetwood website for more of the latest updates.
Love the Fylde Coast? Sign up for your weekly email newsletter. Packed full of interesting things it arrives in your inbox all 52 weeks of the year.
Join us on Facebook at our Visit Fylde Coast Facebook Group
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @visitFyldeCoast
We Need Your Help
We Need Your Help
Many thanks always to Fleetwood RNLI for the incredible efforts made on the night of 27th December 2006. It’s hard to believe we’re 15yrs on. My thoughts are with all the families of those lost in this tragic accident.
Sarah Smith (Daughter of Keith Smith).