Ep 2. Deadly Rescue

In Disasters at Sea season 1 episode 2, titled "Deadly Rescue," the focus is on the ill-fated Ocean Ranger oil rig that sank off the coast of Newfoundland in 1982. The episode follows the harrowing events leading up to the rig's sinking and the disaster that unfolded in its aftermath.

The episode begins by introducing the crew of the Ocean Ranger, a massive oil rig that stood over 300 feet tall and could accommodate over 100 workers. On the night of February 14, 1982, the rig was hit by a fierce storm, with winds reaching over 100 kilometers per hour and waves up to 20 meters high. Despite the dangerous conditions, the crew remained on board, believing that the rig was built to withstand such weather.

However, as the night progressed, the situation grew increasingly dire. The rig began to list heavily to one side, and the crew realized that they were in serious danger. Despite their training and expertise, they were unable to stabilize the rig, and the decision was made to launch a distress call.

The episode then shifts focus to the crew of the nearby drilling rig, the Sedco 706. When they received the distress call, they knew that they had to act quickly. They immediately began making their way towards the Ocean Ranger, fighting against the stormy seas and winds all the way.

As they approached the sinking rig, the crew of the Sedco 706 faced an impossible choice: attempt to rescue the crew of the Ocean Ranger, or leave them to their fate and try to save themselves. Despite the danger, they chose to attempt a rescue, launching lifeboats into the roiling waters below.

What follows is a heart-pounding race against time, as the crew of the Sedco 706 works to save as many of their fellow workers as possible. The conditions are treacherous, with waves crashing over the lifeboats and the wind threatening to capsize them at any moment. But through it all, the crew remains focused and determined, pulling survivors from the water and getting them to safety.

As the night wears on, the scope of the tragedy becomes clear. Of the 84 workers on board the Ocean Ranger, only one survives. The rest perish in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, victims of one of the deadliest disasters in Canadian maritime history.

The episode concludes with a sobering look at the aftermath of the sinking, including the investigation that followed and the changes that were made to improve safety regulations for oil rigs in Canada and around the world. Through it all, the bravery and heroism of the crew of the Sedco 706 stands out, a testament to the power of human resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Overall, "Deadly Rescue" is a gripping and emotional episode of Disasters at Sea, showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of those who risked their lives to try and save their fellow workers. It's a powerful reminder of the dangers that can be present in even the most seemingly controlled environments, and the importance of always being prepared for the worst.