The mum of an oil worker killed in a helicopter crash has revealed her anguish on the accident’s anniversary.
Anne Darnley said she dreads every Friday night as that was the day her daughter Sarah, 45, and three of her colleagues were killed.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary on Saturday, Anne described the last 12 months as “awful”.
The 73-year-old of Elgin, Moray, said: “Nothing will bring Sarah back. We just have to live from day to day as best we can. I relive it every Friday night.
“It’s been an awful year. Friends and family have helped us through it all.”
Duncan Munro, 46, from Co Durham; George Allison, 57, of Hampshire; Inverness 59-year-old Gary McCrossan, and Sarah all died in the crash on August 23 last year when their Super Puma plunged into the sea near Shetland.
The chopper was carrying 18 people including two crew and 14 survivors were airlifted to Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick.
Sarah, George and Duncan were said to have drowned while waiting for a delayed rescue boat while Gary died of heart failure.
An Air Accidents Investigation Board probe into the incident is still going on but has already ruled out mechanical failure.
Anne said the family is keen to see safety improvements in the industry but said she holds no bitterness over the crash.
“I’m just sad,” she said. “We’re not going to get much peace for some time to come with everything ongoing. We just have to live with it.”
Relatives of those who died are expected to attend a service at Sumburgh Airport in Shetland in September.
The names of those who died are also due to be added to a new memorial at the airport. Anne revealed the family has created an award for Sarah’s former school, Elgin High, for pupils who improve most in art.
She said: “Sarah was quite arty. That’s why we chose to do it.”
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