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Helicopter ditches in North Sea Helicopter ditches in North Sea
(20 minutes later)
A major search for survivors is under way after a helicopter ditched in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland.A major search for survivors is under way after a helicopter ditched in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland.
At least 16 people were believed to be on board the Bond Super Puma.At least 16 people were believed to be on board the Bond Super Puma.
Coastguards said the incident happened about 35 miles east of Crimond, between Peterhead and Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, just before 1400 BST. Coastguards said the incident happened about 40 miles north east of Aberdeen, just before 1400 BST, as the helicopter returned from BP's Miller field.
The operation includes two RAF rescue helicopters and an RAF Nimrod, as well as two local lifeboats. Other boats are also in the area.The operation includes two RAF rescue helicopters and an RAF Nimrod, as well as two local lifeboats. Other boats are also in the area.
Helicopter operator Bond confirmed one of its aircraft was involved in the incident.Helicopter operator Bond confirmed one of its aircraft was involved in the incident.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said a supply vessel called Normand Aurora had put its fast response boat into the water and was looking for survivors.The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said a supply vessel called Normand Aurora had put its fast response boat into the water and was looking for survivors.
A Super Puma helicopter ditched in the Etap field in February
"Two helicopters from the RAF have been scrambled to the scene and a Nimrod marine patrol aircraft has been diverted to the area," said a spokesman."Two helicopters from the RAF have been scrambled to the scene and a Nimrod marine patrol aircraft has been diverted to the area," said a spokesman.
"Aberdeen Coastguard have begun broadcasting a mayday signal into the area. RNLI lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh are heading for the scene now."Aberdeen Coastguard have begun broadcasting a mayday signal into the area. RNLI lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh are heading for the scene now.
A Super Puma helicopter ditched in the Etap field in February
"It is understood that there are 16 people on board the aircraft.""It is understood that there are 16 people on board the aircraft."
BP said: "Emergency teams are responding and the relevant authorities have been informed.
"BP's onshore emergency team has been mobilised and are assisting in the co-ordination of support services.
"We cannot confirm details of the incident at this stage. Our priority at this time is to manage the incident."
A spokeswoman for BAA Aberdeen said it was understood the helicopter had issued a mayday near Peterhead then ditched into the water.
The crash comes less than two months after a helicopter with 18 people on board ditched in the Etap field 125 miles east of Aberdeen.The crash comes less than two months after a helicopter with 18 people on board ditched in the Etap field 125 miles east of Aberdeen.
All those on board the Super Puma survived the crash on 18 February.All those on board the Super Puma survived the crash on 18 February.


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