Helicopter crash: three dead
Adam CivicoRescuers have recovered three bodies following the helicopter crash off Sumburgh yesterday.
Police Scotland has confirmed the news this morning and said a fourth person remains unaccounted for.
The families have been informed and further information will be released later.
Fourteen other people have been rescued and are in hospital.
A Super Puma L2 helicopter was carrying the men from the Borgsten Dolphin platform, east of Shetland, to Sumburgh when it ditched at about 6.20pm on Friday.
Several pieces of the damaged helicopter have been washed up against rocks near Garths Ness.
Serco NorthLink’s Hjaltland passenger ferry and cargo ship Helliar worked alongside Aith and Lerwick lifeboat crews to help in the rescue attempts. A Sea King helicopter landed at Clickimin last night carrying a “trauma team”.
First Minister Alex Salmond paid tribute to those involved in the rescue effort.
Mr Salmond said: “Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. We also hope that those who were injured can make a full and speedy recovery.
“I would like to pay a massive tribute to all of those brave and hard-working individuals involved in the rescue effort and in treating the casualties when they were brought ashore.
“It is still too early to know what caused this terrible tragedy, but a full investigation by the relevant authorities is already under way. The Scottish government is in regular contact with all the agencies who have been involved in this rescue and recovery operation through our resilience process.”
Ali Inkster
I’ve been 25 years offshore and my heart goes out to these men and their families.
In all that time I have never had any confidence in this aircraft type whether it was called a tiger, puma, super puma or ec 225. If they won’t ground them permanently then we need to refuse to board them. Enough is enough.
Kiersten Batley
Such a terrible tragedy. Thoughts and prayers for the families and colleagues of those that lost their lives. Up most respect to the rescuers. Such a sad day 🙁
Joyce Davies
May the families are friends of the four people who so tragically died know that the thoughts and prayers of the people of Shetland are with them at this very sad time for them and for the people of Shetland. God Bless.
Joe Johnson
Really saddened that 4 people died! Thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who died.
Gerald Freshwater
How strange that a “trauma team” was sent for. The police reported today that the nine people detained overnight had only minor injuries. In years gone by, the hospital coped with a number of serious accidents without needing outside support, and with good outcomes for the patients, too.
It’s very sad that four people died, but at least most survived, not often the case with flying accidents.
Gordon Harmer
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Our thoughts are with those who died.
Our thanks are to the lifeboat crews and others who helped in the rescue.