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01/04/2009
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. According to Sky news sources, eight bodies have been recovered and the search continues for the other eight.
Aberdeen Coastguard said a major rescue operation was underway.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) spokesman said: "A supply vessel called Normand Aurora, which was quite close by, has put their fast response boat into the water and is looking for survivors."
The statement continued: "Two helicopters from the RAF have been scrambled to the scene and a Nimrod marine patrol aircraft has been diverted to the sea.
"Aberdeen Coastguard have begun broadcasting a mayday signal into the area. RNLI lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh are heading for the scene now.
"It is understood that there are 16 people on board the aircraft".
A spokeswoman for BAA Aberdeen said it was understood the helicopter had issued a mayday near Peterhead then ditched into the water.
The incident comes just six weeks after a Bond Super Puma with 18 people on board ditched in the North Sea in February.
All those on board survived the crash on 18 February.
See: Rescue Operation After Helicopter Crashes Into Sea
(JM/BMcC)
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. According to Sky news sources, eight bodies have been recovered and the search continues for the other eight.
Aberdeen Coastguard said a major rescue operation was underway.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) spokesman said: "A supply vessel called Normand Aurora, which was quite close by, has put their fast response boat into the water and is looking for survivors."
The statement continued: "Two helicopters from the RAF have been scrambled to the scene and a Nimrod marine patrol aircraft has been diverted to the sea.
"Aberdeen Coastguard have begun broadcasting a mayday signal into the area. RNLI lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh are heading for the scene now.
"It is understood that there are 16 people on board the aircraft".
A spokeswoman for BAA Aberdeen said it was understood the helicopter had issued a mayday near Peterhead then ditched into the water.
The incident comes just six weeks after a Bond Super Puma with 18 people on board ditched in the North Sea in February.
All those on board survived the crash on 18 February.
See: Rescue Operation After Helicopter Crashes Into Sea
(JM/BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
