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/england/west_midlands/8323711.stm
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| 'Hero' pilot killed in Caribbean | 'Hero' pilot killed in Caribbean |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| A British pilot has been killed after the plane he was flying ditched into the Caribbean sea. | |
| Robert Mansell, originally from Knowle, West Midlands, has been described as a hero for his actions in helping to save the lives of his nine passengers. | |
| He was flying from the island of Curacao, in the south Caribbean sea, to neighbouring Bonaire when they crashed. | He was flying from the island of Curacao, in the south Caribbean sea, to neighbouring Bonaire when they crashed. |
| Reports suggest an engine failed. All nine passengers escaped and investigations are taking place. | |
| Captain Mansell was five minutes short of the destination when he was forced to ditch the plane. | |
| The passengers escaped the sinking aircraft but he was still strapped into his seat as it disappeared into waters reported to be 150 metres deep. | |
| Capt Mansell worked for Winair before moving to work for Avion di Divi Divi. | Capt Mansell worked for Winair before moving to work for Avion di Divi Divi. |
| Colleagues at Divi Divi Air are said to be devastated by his death, describing him as a highly respected and qualified flyer, who was meticulous in his judgement. | |
| Tributes on a local news website, the St Maarten Island Time, have described Mr Mansell as a "true hero" for saving the passengers. | |
| Bonaire, which along with Curacao is part of the Netherlands Antilles, lies about 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela. |