Chopper probe launched

The Air Accidents Investigations Branch has confirmed that it has launched an investigation into the controlled ditching of the Super Puma EC 225 helicopter off Orkney yesterday.

Those onboard were initially rescued by a ship in the area at the time – the Nord Nightingale – whose crew launched its fast rescue craft to pick them up.

The 19 people onboard the chopper were then airlifted to Kirkwall and Sumburgh by rescue helicopters, with one pictured  at Kirkwall Airport last night.

Reacting to the incident Oil & Gas UK’s health and safety policy manager, Bob Lauder said: “Oil & Gas UK is pleased to hear that all 19 people on board this helicopter have been successfully rescued.

“This is testament to the skill of the pilots, as well as the comprehensive survival training which all offshore workers must undergo to prepare them for this type of situation. “We now await more information on the cause of this incident.”