G-REDU a *Bond Offshore helicopters *Super Puma helicopter ditched in the sea, near to a BP oil platform(Marnock) in the ETAP(eastern trough area project) field,125 miles east of Aberdeen at 6.40 pm last night. compass ref= 57 degrees 17.7 N-001.degrees 39.7 E. 18 persons being transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for tre atment.OIL RIG transport. All 16 passengers and 2 crew are safe. 4 helicopters/3 in the field assisted with the emergency,,one from Shetland/one from the Ekofisk oilfield,as well as a Sea King from RAF Lossiemouth (RESCUE 137)and a Nimrod from RAF Kinloss.(RESCUE 51) floatation bags fitted to the helicopter which inflated immediately upon contact with the water- worked wonders and saved everyone.The only other danger was that the high waves could have sunk the helicopter. The 18 persons evacuated into 3 rubber dinghies,all persons wore lifejackets fitted with flashing lights and locator beacons. Distress flares were sent up from the BP oil platform. 3 passengers were winched up by a Bond helicopter(rescue 1) and the remaining 15 were picked up by a Platform lifeboat. The rig standby vessel Caledonian Victory attended the scene.A good result all round. Emergency number for relatives/friends is 01224-836-479. Grampian Police are coordinating with BP/RAF/ Bond helicopters/emergency services/and the hospital regarding the return and safety of the passengers. Air Accident Investigation Branch (CAA)will be attending scene. see photo of the helicopter = www <b>...</b>
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