Today the Irish Naval Service gathered to unveil of a commemorative plaque marking the tragic events of 23 June 1985, when Air India Flight 182 was lost off the south-west coast of Ireland and to acknowledge the incredible effort of the crew of LE AISLING who carried out their duties with professionalism and quiet courage during that most difficult operation.
LE Aisling was at sea in 1985, sailing with a ships company of 50 personnel. Much of the crew were aged under 30 with a number of junior ratings mere teenagers at the beginning of their naval careers.
That same morning, Air India Flight 182, carrying 329 passengers and crew, was on route from Canada to India via London. Just after 8AM, while commencing its descent towards London Heathrow it disappeared from radar. Tragically an on-board explosion had caused the aircraft to break up over the sea.
LE Aisling received orders to proceed immediately to the reported location and made best speed to the area. With only limited information available, the crew prepared for what was expected to be a search and rescue operation. Medical spaces were readied and provisions prepared, soup was put on the stove and blankets were taken out of the stores in the hope that survivors might be found.
The ship arrived on the scene just after 12PM in challenging sea conditions. The ship steamed towards the greatest concentration of smoke in the distance. The sea was littered with wreckage, the smell of aviation fuel was extreme and tragically there was the first sighting of human remains in the water.
It soon became clear that the task before the crew was not rescue, but one of recovery. This was a sobering realisation, and one that has stayed to this day with everyone involved.
The ship’s Gemini craft was launched repeatedly throughout the day and into the night, 14 times in total. Despite difficult conditions, the crew carried out their duties with dignity and care, ensuring that those recovered were treated with the utmost respect. In total, 38 victims were brought aboard LE Aisling and later returned home, allowing their families the opportunity to grieve and to lay their loved ones to rest.
The plaque that was unveiled today was designed by former crew member Patrick O’Sullivan. A special mention to Chief Petty Officer Christopher Ahern, the only member of the crew still serving in the Naval Service today.
This plaque will stand as a lasting symbol of remembrance and acknowledgement of their service.
