The Royal Bahamas Defence Force held a memorial service on Wednesday commemorating the lives of Able Seaman Fenrick Sturrup, Marine Seaman Austin Rudolph Smith, Marine Seaman David Tucker and Marine Seaman Edward Williams who perished in the sinking of the HMBS Flamingo on May 10th, 1980.
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Bowe helped plan the event and was asked about the importance of it. He said, “it’s very important in terms of what we do, in terms of what this is all about, we’re remembering some 43 years ago when the Defence Force was very young. In terms of the Flamingo incident, flag ship went out six weeks after the formation of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and then we have this tragedy. For 43 years since we continue to build upon that in terms of remembering those great men who have served and continue to serve. Some of them, right now we have 11 survivors who are still alive and we continue to put forward this service in remembrance of them and for the country at large.”
The Prime Minister ordered that flags be flown at half staff on May 10th. A resolution declaring May 10th a day of remembrance for the HMBS Flamingo was also debated in the House of Assembly. Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Dr. Raymond King and other officers were present in the gallery of House.
