A CHC operated Eurocopter AS 332L2 Super Puma Mk2 with 18 aboard had taken off from the Borgsten Dolphin rig en route to Sumburgh Airport and suffered a “catastrophic loss of power” before it ditched 2 nm W off Sumburgh, Shetland Islands, Scotland.
Fourteen survivors were recovered. Four fatalities were reported: Duncan Munro, 46, from Bishop Auckland, Sarah Darnley, 45, from Elgin, Gary McCrossan, 59, from Inverness, and George Allison, 57, from Winchester. Three of the four bodies have been recovered.
The survivors were hospitalized at Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick. Nine were detained at the hospital for exposure.
Rescue services included a ferry, a cargo ship, lifeboat crews from Lerwick and Aith, coastguard helicopters, RAF Lossiemouth and two Bond rescue helicopters.
CHC works for Total transporting rig workers.
The cause of the crash has not been determined. Pumas have been grounded due to safety concerns.
Aer Lingus flight EI-845 had to divert and make an emergency landing in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, on October 12th.
Egyptair flight MS-779 had to make an emergency landing at Heathrow Airport in London, United Kingdom, on March 11th.
