On 27 December 2006, a helicopter was picking up workers from the rig in Morecambe Bay when it crashed into the sea killing everyone on board.
RNLI boatmen from Fleetwood brought the bodies back to shore, which is why Sandra Potton, wife of the pilot Steve Potton, chose the spot adjacent to Fleetwood Lifeboat Station for the memorial.
Sandra Potton met the cost of the memorial herself. It’s a lectern style, dark grey granite plinth, etched with illustrations of a helicopter, gas rig and an RNLI boat, and a forget-me-not flower. The names of the men who lost their lives are commemorated as a permanent reminder for generations to come.
Explore more collection items and stories relating to Fleetwood
Original Marine Hall, Fleetwood Architectural Drawings
Original Marine Hall, Fleetwood Architectural Drawings
Deed/Indenture Agreement dating to March 1881
Deed/Indenture Agreement dating to March 1881
Deed Indenture dating to February 1854
Deed Indenture dating to February 1854
Deed Agreement dating to December 1861
Deed Agreement dating to December 1861
Marine Hall, Fleetwood
Marine Hall, Fleetwood
Jean Stansfield Memorial and Vicarage Park
Jean Stansfield Memorial and Vicarage Park
Euston Gardens and Park
Euston Gardens and Park
Memorial Park Fleetwood
Memorial Park Fleetwood
Silver Gilt Key with colourful crest that states ‘Fleetwood’
Silver Gilt Key with colourful crest that states ‘Fleetwood’
The Preston and Wyre Railway Boundary Stone
The Preston and Wyre Railway Boundary Stone
Helicopter Crash Memorial
Helicopter Crash Memorial
The Obelisk
The Obelisk
The Lost Trawlermen Memorial and The Fishing Community Memorial
The Lost Trawlermen Memorial and The Fishing Community Memorial
Water Fountain
Water Fountain
HMS Fleetwood May 1937
HMS Fleetwood May 1937
Welcome Home Statue
Welcome Home Statue
Mount Pavilion Clock
Mount Pavilion Clock
Sir Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood
Sir Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood
Ornate Silver Tray
Ornate Silver Tray
‘Arlanda’ Motor Trawler
‘Arlanda’ Motor Trawler
HMS Fleetwood 1937
HMS Fleetwood 1937
HMS Sheraton Trophy
HMS Sheraton Trophy
Small silver cigarette case – 1958
Small silver cigarette case – 1958
Large Silver cigar case
Large Silver cigar case
Commemorative Silver Key
Commemorative Silver Key
World War II medals
World War II medals
Fountain Pen 1933 – Fleetwood Urban District Council
Fountain Pen 1933 – Fleetwood Urban District Council
HMS Fleetwood 1949