Mike Damiano dies in crane collapse.
Accident occurred at St. Catherines, Ontario, dry dock
MICHELE “MIKE” DAMIANO, 55, died March 13 when the crane he was operating collapsed at the Port Weller Dry Docks in St. Catherines, Ontario, March 13. Born in Italy, Damiano was a 35-year member of Local 680 (St. Catherines) and had worked at the dry docks his entire career. The cause of the collapse is under investigation by the Ontario Ministry of Labour.
L-680 BM Dan Langlois said Damiano was the only person in the 44-meter (144-foot), track-mounted Clyde crane when the accident occurred. Two riggers who were walking beneath the crane at the time escaped injury. Langlois said witnesses reported seeing the crane swaying and hearing a loud crack before the machine toppled over into nearby dry dock bays. Damiano was buried under tons of wreckage, and his body could not be retrieved for four days.
“The crew of brother Boilermakers never left his side while stabilizing the wreckage and working with the Ministry to retrieve Mike’s body,” said Langlois. “These brothers worked under horrific circumstances, knowing that Mike’s body was still inside the cab.”
AIP Stan Petronski said, “The International Brotherhood has lost a great Boilermaker, husband, and father. Mike will be remembered by the members and friends for many years to come. The crew of brothers that helped to free Mike was truly remarkable, and our hearts go out to them for their heroic efforts.”
Damiano is survived by his wife, Elvira (Elvie), and son, Alexander, 11.
Local 680 has established a trust fund for Alexander. Donations may be made to: Elvira Damiano in trust for Alexander Damiano, Meridian Credit Union, 400 Scott St., Grantham Plaza, St. Catherines, Ontario L2M 3W4, www.meridiancu.ca.
