Helicopter ditches south-west of Sumburgh

 A helicopter with 18 people on board has ditched west of Sumburgh.

A mayday was issued at about 6.45pm and it is understood the Aberdeen-bound Hjaltland ferry has responded and is heading to the scene.

Lerwick and Aith lifeboats have also been called to the incident. It is believed the helicoter ditched approximately 0.4 nautical miles south-west of Garths Ness.

    A Bond Helicopter hovers over the Aith Lifeboat and life raft at the scene of the ditching at Garths Ness. Photo: Dave Donaldson
A Bond Helicopter hovers over the Aith Lifeboat and life raft at the scene of the ditching at Garths Ness. Photo: Dave Donaldson

The helicopter, believed to be a Super Puma L2,  is operated by CHC, taking people to and from oil and gas platforms in the North Sea.

A statement issued by the company  said: “CHC Helicopters can confirm that there has been an incident involving one of our aircraft in the North Sea, approximately two miles off Sumburgh.

“Exact details of the incident, which happened at approximately 6.20pm are not yet known.

“The appropriate authorities have been informed and the company’s Incident Management Team is being mobilised.”

The Shetland Coastguard helicopter landed at the Clickimin site at about 7.50pm. Photo: Adam Civico
The Shetland Coastguard helicopter landed at the Clickimin site at about 7.50pm. Photo: Adam Civico

The Shetland Coastguard helicopter landed at the Clickimin site at about 7.50pm where it was met by waiting ambulance crews. It is not yet known how many casualties there are.

COMMENTS(3)

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  • Tom Macintyre

    • August 23rd, 2013 19:46

    Just home from Sumburgh airport – relative meant to be on Edinburgh bound flight but it was cancelled. There was much activity with ambulance, police and helicopter

    REPLY
  • Denise MacColl

    • August 23rd, 2013 20:50

    Fingers crossed all are found safe and well, another helicopter crash is not good x

    REPLY
  • allan hendry

    • August 23rd, 2013 20:53

    I have my fingers crossed. I hope all persons on board are recovered safely. I know that the RNLI and other will be doing their best to achieve that result. Stay safe all of you!!

    REPLY

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