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Helicopter ditches in North Sea Helicopter ditches in North Sea
(20 minutes later)
A helicopter has ditched in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland. A major search for survivors is under way after a helicopter ditched in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland.
About 16 people were believed to be on board the Bond Super Puma helicopter. Aberdeen Coastguard said a major rescue operation was under way. At least 16 people were believed to be on board the Bond Super Puma.
The incident happened about 35 miles east of Crimond in Aberdeenshire at about 1400 BST. Coastguards said the incident happened about 35 miles east of Crimond, between Peterhead and Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, just before 1400 BST.
The operation includes two RAF rescue helicopters and a Nimrod, as well as two lifeboats. Fishing boats are also in the area. The operation includes two RAF rescue helicopters and an RAF Nimrod, as well as two local lifeboats. Other boats are also in the area.
Helicopter operator Bond confirmed one of its aircraft was involved in the incident.Helicopter operator Bond confirmed one of its aircraft was involved in the incident.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said a supply vessel called Normand Aurora had put its fast response boat into the water and was looking for survivors.The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said a supply vessel called Normand Aurora had put its fast response boat into the water and was looking for survivors.
A Super Puma helicopter ditched in the Etap field in February
"Two helicopters from the RAF have been scrambled to the scene and a Nimrod marine patrol aircraft has been diverted to the area," said a spokesman."Two helicopters from the RAF have been scrambled to the scene and a Nimrod marine patrol aircraft has been diverted to the area," said a spokesman.
"Aberdeen Coastguard have begun broadcasting a mayday signal into the area. RNLI lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh are heading for the scene now."Aberdeen Coastguard have begun broadcasting a mayday signal into the area. RNLI lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh are heading for the scene now.
"It is understood that there are 16 people on board the aircraft.""It is understood that there are 16 people on board the aircraft."
The crash comes less than two months after a helicopter with 18 people on board ditched in the Etap field 125 miles east of Aberdeen.The crash comes less than two months after a helicopter with 18 people on board ditched in the Etap field 125 miles east of Aberdeen.
All those on board the Super Puma survived the crash on 18 February.All those on board the Super Puma survived the crash on 18 February.
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