Ocean Ranger

Ocean Ranger was a mobile drilling unit on the Grand Banks off Newfoundland, designed as a self-supported floating oil rig. The structure rested on massive pontoons designed for stability in rough conditions despite the deep location on the seabed.

The unit was built in Japan in the late 1970s and began working in Canadian waters in 1980. On February 15, 1982, it encountered a severe storm and sank, killing all crew members.

The name refers to its role as a guardian of North Atlantic exploration, and the tragedy changed Canadian offshore work culture forever. Since the sinking, memorials in Newfoundland remember the crew, and many fishermen and seafarers speak about the stricter safety protocols that have been in place since.

The wreck now lies in deep water east of St. John's and is not accessible to visitors. Memorials on land provide the only way to engage with this part of Canadian offshore history.

The rig was recovered from great depth after the sinking before authorities decided to deliberately sink it at another location. This decision was made to prevent the wreck from endangering other ships or fishing boats.