Swissair Flight 111

Recognizing Canada's contribution to the recovery efforts

On 2 September 1998, Swissair Flight 111 was on a scheduled flight from New York, United States to Geneva, Switzerland. About an hour into the flight, the aircraft, carrying 215 passengers and 14 crew members, was forced to divert to Halifax International Airport for an emergency landing. At 10:31 p.m. (ADT), the aircraft plummeted into the ocean close to Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. All 229 people on board perished.

Shortly after, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax launched Operation Persistence. This massive effort would include more than 2,400 CAF personnel and 450 RCMP members (whose contributions came under the mission name Operation Homage). This operation helped local authorities with search efforts, debris and victim recovery, and the identification of those we lost.

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the Swissair Flight 111 tragedy. Join us in honouring the 229 lives lost, and the efforts of those who responded to the tragedy.

Events

September 2, 22:00 ADT
Signature Candlelight Ceremony
Bayswater Swissair Flight 111 Memorial
4100 Highway 329, Hubbards, Nova Scotia

Veterans Affairs Canada will hold a candlelight vigil at the Swissair Flight 111 memorial at Bayswater, Nova Scotia, to honour and remember the 229 passengers who perished 25 years ago. It will also recognize the recovery efforts of the Canadian Armed Forces and those involved in Operation Persistence.

September 3, 10:00 ADT
Ceremony at Peggy's Cove Memorial
Peggy's Cove Swissair Flight 111 Memorial
8250 Highway 333, Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Veterans Affairs Canada will hold a ceremony at the Swissair Flight 111 memorial at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, to honour and remember Canada's contribution to the recovery effort at the Swissair Flight 111 tragedy in 1998. It will also honour the 229 passengers who perished.

If you would like to attend events, please contact us by email.