02 Apr 2009
North Sea Helicopter Crash
Statement by the Secretary of State for Scotland
House of Commons, Thursday 2 April 2009
Mr Speaker, with permission I would like to make a statement on the helicopter crash, which occurred 14 miles off the coast of Crimond, Aberdeenshire, north east of Peterhead just before 14.00 yesterday
A Eurocopter Super Puma, operated by Bond Helicopters on a charter for BP crashed in the North Sea approximately 14 miles off Rattray Head, which is 38 miles North East of Aberdeen. The helicopter was returning from the BP's Miller Oil Field Platform, 35 miles north east of Aberdeen. Onboard were a flight crew of two pilots and 14 passengers. All were wearing survival suits.
Aberdeen Coastguard were informed of a ditched helicopter at just before 14.00 and two life rafts were spotted in the water. Two helicopters from the RAF bases at Lossiemouth and Boulmer were scrambled to the scene alongside a Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft from RAF Kinloss. RNLI lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh were launched to join the search. Eleven other vessels also responded to the mayday signal from the Coastguard, and one vessel was on scene within minutes of the alert. The MCA have been co-ordinating the extensive search and rescue operation.
Tragically the bodies of eight people from the helicopter have been recovered and are now with the Grampian Police to undergo identification procedures and the remaining eight are currently unaccounted for. Search operations by dedicated rescue units were suspended at around 23:00 last night to rest crews and for refuelling, although other vessels in the vicinity continued to search the area. Dedicated units resumed their recovery efforts at first light this morning. Those who have died or are missing have not yet been named, while police work to contact their relatives. BP has set up an emergency contact line for concerned relatives and colleagues.
Mr Speaker, both sides of the House will wish to express our collective sympathy and individual prayers for those who have lost friends and relatives in the crash. As the Prime Minister said yesterday, this was a tragic day in the North Sea. Today we all stand in solidarity and mourning. This tragedy reminds us that despite the North Sea's remarkable improvements in safety it can be one of the harshest environments on earth. Every day brave men and women work there to bring us the oil and gas our country needs.
Mr Speaker, I would like to praise the work of, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the RAF, the RNLI and other vessels who responded so quickly to the distress call. And also the Grampian Police, who are co-ordinating the investigation into the crash. They have all worked together, to respond with well prepared contingency plans in very difficult circumstances. I have also spoken to Scotland's First Minister who is also making a statement in the Scottish Parliament today.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances of the event and a team of 14 Air Accident Investigation Branch staff has been deployed to Aberdeen, including experts in helicopter operations, engineering, flight recorder replay and data analysis. The work to identify the causes of the accident began this morning but what appears clear is that there was a catastrophic impact as the helicopter crashed into the sea.
Mr Speaker, Hon. Members will be aware that there was another accident on 18th February 2009 involving a Eurocopter EC225 LP Super Puma manufactured in 2008. It occurred when the helicopter was approaching an off shore platform to land, descending at night with fog and low cloud in the vicinity. The aircraft landed heavily on the surface of the sea. Thankfully, in that case there was no loss of live. The initial investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Branch has revealed no evidence of pre-impact malfunction of any major mechanical components.
Yesterday¿s crash involved a Eurocopter AS332L2 Super Puma manufactured in 2004. It occurred when the helicopter was in cruising flight, in daylight with benign weather conditions when the crew broadcast a short 'Mayday' call without identifying the nature of the emergency. The helicopter was seen to descend rapidly to the surface of the sea.
Consequently, given the evidence to date there are no indications of any causal links relating the two events.
I know that the House will understand that the Air Accident Investigation Branch report on yesterday's tragedy will take some time to prepare. Once complete the report will be presented to the Secretary of State for Transport. However, as the inquiry progresses factual information will be released and any safety action recommended as appropriate. We will consider the findings of the investigation carefully and take the necessary action to protect safety levels in the North Sea.