Chopper crash victims mourned

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, March 18 (UPI) -- Bells tolled and people mourned Wednesday at a service for the 17 oil industry workers killed in a helicopter crash off Canada's East Coast.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported at least 1,300 people filled the Basilica of St. John the Baptist Catholic church. Some arrived almost four hours prior to the start of the multifaith service.

"This tragic loss of life will be told from generation to generation, as our ancestors have shared stories with us," said Martin Currie, the Roman Catholic archbishop of St. John's.

"When we hear the stories of the past, it gives us hope that life will go on, but that it has changed and will never be the same again."

Meanwhile, a ship bearing the aircraft's wreckage, docked at St. John's shortly after 4 p.m. The helicopter debris was carried on a large basket at the back of the ship.

The victims also were remembered with tributes, prayers and songs, the CBC reported.

The mourners, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Danny Williams, also prayed for the only survivor of last week's crash, Robert Decker, who is recovering in a St. John's hospital.

Edison Wiltshire, a pastor who ministers to workers on offshore oil platforms, noted the importance of a community mourning together.

"There is an old psalm that says it was good to be in the house of the Lord," he told the CBC. "I'm hoping that when we walk away tonight, we walk away with a new resource -- something else to facilitate grace and the healing process."