Four killed in chopper tragedy

Police have confirmed that four people have died after a helicopter went down in the North Sea off Shetland last night.

The bodies of three people have been recovered and work is underway to recover the body of the fourth person.

Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Malcolm Graham, said: “Our sympathies are very much with the families of those affected at this difficult time. All families have been informed and specially-trained family liaison officers are currently providing them with support.

“We are also now in a position to name the four people who have died. They are: Duncan Munro, aged 46, from Bishop Auckland, Sarah Darnley, aged 45, from Elgin, Gary McCrossan, aged 59, from Inverness, and George Allison, aged 57 from Winchester

He added: “This incident has resulted in a large-scale response from a number of different agencies who have worked closely together to deliver a swift rescue operation. We have been able to deploy a number of officers with specialist disciplines from across Police Scotland to assist with the operation.

“We will now be carrying out an investigation to establish the circumstances in due course.”

A total of 18 people were on board the CHC helicopter – 16 passengers and two crew, which went down off Fitful Head shortly before 6.30pm.

Fourteen people were taken to the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick for treatment, including the two members of crew. Five were discharged and nine detained overnight either for observation or suffering from exposure.