One killed in helicopter crash off Norway
It had been on a search and rescue training exercise on behalf of Equinor
A helicopter has crashed in the North Sea off the coast of Norway, killing one person.
The aircraft, operated by Bristow, had been on a search and rescue training exercise near Bergen on behalf of energy firm Equinor.
Six people were on board the S-92 when it ditched in the water last night.
Equinor has halted all helicopter flights out of Norway until more is known about what caused the tragedy.
Anders Opedal, Equinor’s chief executive officer, said "This is a deeply tragic incident. Today is a difficult day for many, and our thoughts are with the families, close ones and others affected.
“Everyone on board the helicopter was on assignment for Equinor. Our key task now is to help take care of those involved. We express our thanks to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and everyone involved in the rescue operation and the ongoing work.”
A statement from Bristow said "At this time, the full resources of Bristow’s incident response team are being mobilized. The Company is in the process of contacting and providing assistance to family members of those onboard and fully cooperating with authorities responding to the incident. Our highest priority is to take care of our crew and their family members and provide them with any assistance needed."
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said “We will not speculate about the causes of this tragedy and is seeking information from the Norwegian authorities as this aircraft model is a critical part of the UK fleet taking workers to sites across the UK sector.
“We are also liaising with our Norwegian colleagues in our sister trade Union Industri Energi,”
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.