Newfoundland Helicopter Crash - Update

See recent news on this Canadian Helicopter tragedy -  Newfoundland:  Mourners Gather at Prayer Service

Update March 18th:

A multi-faith prayer service will be held this evening at the 154-year old Basilica Cathedral of St. John in St. John's.  PM Stephen Harper and Premier Danny Williams are expected to be in attendance.  It will be carried live on CBC Newsworld at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Update March 17th:

Seven more bodies were brought back to St. John's harbour during the night.  All bodies have now been recovered and accounted for. 

"It's a major accomplishment for the recovery team and very much a relief for the families and everyone involved in the effort to recover the bodies," said RCMP Sgt. Wayne Newell this morning.

Update March 16th:

RCMP reported early Monday that nine bodies have now been brought back to shore on board the Atlantic Osprey.  They were brought three by three in hearses to St. John's Health Science Centre.  The ship is to promptly return to the crash site to continue the search for bodies.

Update March 15th:

After observations by the ROVs, recovery crews have spotted 10-13 bodies in the downed helicopter, 178 metres below the surface.  

The bodies are now being carefully lifted  from the fuselage, in a large metal basket, one by one, before the helicopter is raised.  "It is very delicate work and has to be done very carefully. It's work that could take 18 to 24 hours, if everything goes well." says Mike Cunningham, of TSB.

I will be adding to the passenger list below, as names become available.

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The search for any remaining survivors of the helicopter crash off the eastern coast of Canada ended last night, and turned into a recovery mission, led by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB).

The lead investigator Mike Cunningham, of the TSB said Saturday that they've located the fuselage of the helicopter, with cameras on remotely operated vehicles (ROV), laying on its side on the ocean floor.  They hope to start lifting the wreckage on Monday or Tuesday. 

The ROVs will contine to search the ocean floor, hoping to determine whether the bodies are inside.

The family of the lone survivor, Robert Decker, 30, says he's receiving "unbelievable care," but he cannot give any information at this time.

The RCMP has released a partial list of passengers onboard.  "The other families were not prepared at this point of time to release the names of their loved ones, and we respect that,"  said Supt. Reg Reeves.  (This list is now complete, the last two names were released on the 18th) Previous NP coverage:  Canada Helicopter Crash off Eastern Coast