8 dead as helicopter crashes

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At least eight people have died after a helicopter with 16 people on board crashed into the North Sea.

The Bond Super Puma came down about 13 miles off Crimond on the Aberdeenshire coast, just before 1400 BST. A major search for survivors was launched.

Police later said eight bodies had been found, with the eight others on board missing. The search operation includes helicopters and an RAF Nimrod.

The crashed helicopter was returning from BP's Miller field.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "For the families concerned, it's an appalling tragedy and also for everybody who's worried at this moment, about whether their loved ones have been caught up in this tragedy.

"The whole nation expresses its condolences for those who have been tragically killed in this disaster."

Mr Salmond, who is an MSP and MP in north east constituencies, was travelling up to the area.

Helicopter operator Bond confirmed one of its aircraft was involved in the incident. There was 14 passengers and two crew.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said a supply vessel called Normand Aurora had put its fast response boat into the water and was looking for survivors.

"Two helicopters from the RAF have been scrambled to the scene and a Nimrod marine patrol aircraft has been diverted to the area," said a spokesman.

"Aberdeen Coastguard have begun broadcasting a mayday signal into the area. RNLI lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh are heading for the scene now."

BP said: "Emergency teams are responding and the relevant authorities have been informed.

"BP's onshore emergency team has been mobilised and are assisting in the co-ordination of support services."

An NHS Grampian spokesperson said: "Our major incident plan is in place and the hospital is well prepared and ready to deal with this incident.

"Additional staff are available if required and we will continue to assess the situation to ensure that we can respond in whatever way we need to."

Jake Molloy of the OILC union said: "When helicopters hit the water hard it is inevitable you will have fatalities. No amount of training can prepare you for a heavy landing in the sea.

"These aircraft are designed with lightweight equipment and heavy engines on top. They are simply not designed for going into the sea hard."

Two local lifeboats and other boats were also searching in the area.

Weather forecasters said conditions were relatively good, explaining there was little cloud, winds were light and the sea state was good, with waves of only half a metre.

The crash comes less than two months after a helicopter with 18 people on board ditched in the Etap field 125 miles east of Aberdeen.

All those on board the Super Puma survived the crash on 18 February.

bbc news
 
Very sad day indeed .
I work offshore brings it home really , i am just hoping i dont know anyone on board.
 
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