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/scotland/north_east/7977095.stm
The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 6 | Version 7 |
|---|---|
| Helicopter ditches in North Sea | Helicopter ditches in North Sea |
| (10 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 40 miles north east of Aberdeen, just before 1400 BST, as the helicopter returned from BP's Miller field. | 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. |
| "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. |
| SUPER PUMA EC225 Five-bladed helicopter used by more than 1,000 civil operators and 37 militaries around the worldCapacity: Up to 24 passengersCrew: 2 or 3Max. speed: 174 mphRange: 519 miles | SUPER PUMA EC225 Five-bladed helicopter used by more than 1,000 civil operators and 37 militaries around the worldCapacity: Up to 24 passengersCrew: 2 or 3Max. speed: 174 mphRange: 519 miles |
| "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 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. | "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." | "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. | A spokeswoman for BAA Aberdeen said it was understood the helicopter had issued a mayday near Peterhead then ditched into the water. |
| An NHS Grampian spokesperson said: "Our major incident plan is in place and the hospital is well prepared and ready to deal with this incident. | |
| "Additional staff are available if required and we will continue to assess the situation to ensure that we can respond in whatever way we need to." | |
| Weather forecasters said conditions were relatively good, explaining there was little cloud, winds were light and the sea state was good, with waves of only half a metre. | |
| 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. |
| Do you have a comment about the incident? You can contact us using the form below. | Do you have a comment about the incident? You can contact us using the form below. |
| Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here. |
| Read the terms and conditions | Read the terms and conditions |
| At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. | At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. |
| The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions | The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions |