19/02/2009
Rescue Operation After Helicopter Crashes Into Sea
Fifteen oil workers rescued from a helicopter that crashed in the North Sea have arrived back in Aberdeen harbour.
An investigation is underway after the Super Puma's two-man crew and 16 oil workers were rescued from life rafts and three were flown to hospital - they have since been discharged.
The helicopter had plunged into the sea around 125 miles east of Aberdeen en route to a BP production platform. It landed upright and floated due to the emergency flotation bags which inflate during a waterborne ditch.
Those on board escaped on to rubber dinghies and waited for help to arrive.
The coastguard said there were no serious injuries, however some of those involved had suffered minor injuries, were described as the "walking wounded".
A major search operation involving an RAF Nimrod, RAF Sea King, civilian aircraft and boats was launched after the helicopter went down at around 6.40pm on Wednesday.
Flight Sergeant James Lyne, Assistant Controller at the Air Rescue Co-ordination Centre at RAF Kinloss, said: "It was all very quick. Within a few minutes of the aircraft ditching we had rescue aircraft on route.
"Luckily the crew and passengers were able to get out safely. They were pretty well equipped.
"The big danger is if it is high seas then the aircraft will land and turn upside down."
He concluded: "They all managed to get out safely. It is a very good result."
Air accident investigators are launching an inquiry into the case.
(JM/BMcC)
An investigation is underway after the Super Puma's two-man crew and 16 oil workers were rescued from life rafts and three were flown to hospital - they have since been discharged.
The helicopter had plunged into the sea around 125 miles east of Aberdeen en route to a BP production platform. It landed upright and floated due to the emergency flotation bags which inflate during a waterborne ditch.
Those on board escaped on to rubber dinghies and waited for help to arrive.
The coastguard said there were no serious injuries, however some of those involved had suffered minor injuries, were described as the "walking wounded".
A major search operation involving an RAF Nimrod, RAF Sea King, civilian aircraft and boats was launched after the helicopter went down at around 6.40pm on Wednesday.
Flight Sergeant James Lyne, Assistant Controller at the Air Rescue Co-ordination Centre at RAF Kinloss, said: "It was all very quick. Within a few minutes of the aircraft ditching we had rescue aircraft on route.
"Luckily the crew and passengers were able to get out safely. They were pretty well equipped.
"The big danger is if it is high seas then the aircraft will land and turn upside down."
He concluded: "They all managed to get out safely. It is a very good result."
Air accident investigators are launching an inquiry into the case.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 May 2004
Rescuer injured as helicopter strikes mountainside
A member of a civilian mountain rescue team is being treated for injuries received after he fell from a search and rescue helicopter that struck a mountainside in the Lake District. The man is reported to have sustained serious injuries when he fell some 40 feet from the Royal Navy Sea King helicopter.
Rescuer injured as helicopter strikes mountainside
A member of a civilian mountain rescue team is being treated for injuries received after he fell from a search and rescue helicopter that struck a mountainside in the Lake District. The man is reported to have sustained serious injuries when he fell some 40 feet from the Royal Navy Sea King helicopter.
18 February 2015
River Search Continues For Missing 11-Year-Old
A major search operation is continuing for an 11-year-old boy who fell into the River Towy in Carmarthen. The operation was launched at about 16:00 on Tuesday when it was reported the boy had gone into the river.
River Search Continues For Missing 11-Year-Old
A major search operation is continuing for an 11-year-old boy who fell into the River Towy in Carmarthen. The operation was launched at about 16:00 on Tuesday when it was reported the boy had gone into the river.
12 December 2012
Workers Stranded On North Sea Rig
Over 90 workers have been stranded on a gas rig in the North Sea since Monday after a helicopter broke down. The workers have been stranded for two days on the Ensco 80 rig, located 100 miles off the Norfolk coast. 94 people are said to be on the rig, amounting to four times over its capacity.
Workers Stranded On North Sea Rig
Over 90 workers have been stranded on a gas rig in the North Sea since Monday after a helicopter broke down. The workers have been stranded for two days on the Ensco 80 rig, located 100 miles off the Norfolk coast. 94 people are said to be on the rig, amounting to four times over its capacity.
01 April 2009
Eight Feared Dead As Helicopter Ditches In Sea
At least eight people are feared dead after a helicopter ditched into the North Sea off the coast of Scotland. The Bond Super Puma aircraft was returning from an oil platform just before 2pm when it went down 35 miles from Aberdeenshire. At least 16 people were thought to be onboard.
Eight Feared Dead As Helicopter Ditches In Sea
At least eight people are feared dead after a helicopter ditched into the North Sea off the coast of Scotland. The Bond Super Puma aircraft was returning from an oil platform just before 2pm when it went down 35 miles from Aberdeenshire. At least 16 people were thought to be onboard.
20 August 2008
Rescue Teams Find Body In Missing Tourist Hunt
Rescue teams searching for a missing 48-year-old man have found a body. Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team discovered the remains while searching for Simon Bally of Stoke-on-Trent, at the head of the Buttermere Valley on Tuesday.
Rescue Teams Find Body In Missing Tourist Hunt
Rescue teams searching for a missing 48-year-old man have found a body. Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team discovered the remains while searching for Simon Bally of Stoke-on-Trent, at the head of the Buttermere Valley on Tuesday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.