The UK’s offshore industry has been hit by the news that yet another Super Puma crew transfer helicopter has crashed in the North Sea off northeast Scotland, with all of the 14 passengers and two crew onboard thought to have been killed.
The incident occurred when the helicopter, carrying BP oil workers from their Miller oil and gas field, crashed in clear weather 14 miles off the coast of Peterhead just before 2pm. A rescue team was scrambled to the wreckage but was later called off due to fading light.
Police have confirmed that eight bodies have been recovered, with a further eight still missing. The rescue team has informed the media that there is little chance of now finding any survivors, although the search still continues.
It is the second crash in six weeks involving a Super Puma transfer helicopter in the North Sea after the crash off BP’s Etap platform, in which all 18 people onboard were rescued. It has lead to some suggesting that all of Bond’s Super Puma helicopters should be grounded pending an investigation.
A local coastguard told Reuters that flying conditions in the area at the time of the incident were excellent. “There is nothing to suggest the weather would have had any impact at all on the actual incident,” she said.
Drilling company KCA Deutag said 10 of its workers were among the passengers, nine of whom were British. The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has paid tribute to those on board the aircraft who lost their lives.
