This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/6213141.stm
The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Helicopter carrying seven crashes | Helicopter carrying seven crashes |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| A major rescue operation is under way after a helicopter with seven people on board crashed in Morecambe Bay. | A major rescue operation is under way after a helicopter with seven people on board crashed in Morecambe Bay. |
| The aircraft, which took off from Blackpool Airport, was ferrying Centrica personnel to the gas field in the Lancashire bay when it came down. | |
| Two helicopter crew members and five rig workers are thought to be missing. | |
| A search for survivors involving two RAF rescue helicopters, lifeboats, coastguard crews and a rig support vessel is under way. | A search for survivors involving two RAF rescue helicopters, lifeboats, coastguard crews and a rig support vessel is under way. |
| Michael Mulford, from the Royal Air Force Rescue Centre, said contact with the helicopter was lost at around 1800 GMT and it is believed to have crashed into the water. | |
| He told Sky News: "We are looking for seven people who are almost certainly going to be in the water." | He told Sky News: "We are looking for seven people who are almost certainly going to be in the water." |
| Mr Mulford added: "What we have are good searching conditions, albeit it is dark. It is bound to be very cold in the water at this point." | Mr Mulford added: "What we have are good searching conditions, albeit it is dark. It is bound to be very cold in the water at this point." |
| A Maritime Coastguard spokesman said the helicopter had ditched around 25 miles off the coast. | |
| The rescue is being co-ordinated by Liverpool coastguards and lifeboats from Fleetwood and Barrow have been sent to the scene. | |
| Lancashire Constabulary are setting up an incident room to help co-ordinate the rescue attempt in Blackpool. | |
| Have you been affected by this incident? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below. | Have you been affected by this incident? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below. |
| If you have any pictures or moving footage you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 07725 100 100 | If you have any pictures or moving footage you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 07725 100 100 |
| Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video | Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video |