Ron Hynes’ Atlantic Blue (Covers)

At 1:30am February 15, 1982, after an intense Valentine’s Day storm on Newfoundland’s Grand Banks, the oil rig Ocean Ranger radioed:

"There will be no further radio communications from Ocean Ranger. We are going to lifeboat stations."

And that was, indeed, the last anyone heard from the rig. A broken porthole contributed to a list in the structure. It capsized and all 84 of the crew died — that was 40 years ago tonight.

I wasn’t very old when it happened but I remember it. Even as a little kid I understood that it was awful and tragic and, almost, unbelievable.

Whenever I hear Ron Hynes’ Atlantic Blue, which was inspired by the sinking, I find it pretty easy to tap into those feelings again. The song comes from the point of view of someone who’s lost a loved one at sea. It’s poetic, honest and, well, just a brilliant piece of art. I’m not surprised Hynes once described it as his most important work.

It reminds me, perhaps for obvious reasons, of E.J Pratt’s Erosion — a short, elegant poem that captures so much about worrying for a loved one at sea, in just a handful of words.

While Atlantic Blue was inspired by a specific event, it’s very relatable to all who know the dangers of life along an unforgiving ocean. It’s a rare Newfoundlander who hasn’t experienced loss at the hands of the ocean.

The song resonates. It’s been covered by a lot of artists — from Newfoundland and around the world.

Here are a few of my favourites:

Here are couple more available on BandCamp:

If there are other versions you like, please drop a link in the comments below. I’d love to hear them.