This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7977095.stm

The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Helicopter ditches in North Sea Helicopter ditches in North Sea
(10 minutes later)
A major search for survivors is under way after a helicopter ditched in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland. A major search for survivors is under way after a helicopter with 16 people on board ditched in the North Sea.
At least 16 people were believed to be on board the Bond Super Puma. Several people are feared dead after the Bond Super Puma came down about 40 miles north east of Aberdeen, just before 1400 BST.
Coastguards said the incident happened about 40 miles north east of Aberdeen, just before 1400 BST, as the helicopter returned from BP's Miller field. Coastguards said the incident happened as the helicopter returned from BP's Miller field.
The operation includes two RAF rescue helicopters and an RAF Nimrod, as well as two local lifeboats. Other boats are also in the area. The rescue operation includes two RAF 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.
"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."
SUPER PUMA EC225 Five-bladed helicopter used by more than 1,000 civil operators and 37 militaries around the worldCapacity: Up to 24 passengersCrew: 2 or 3Max. speed: 174 mphRange: 519 miles A Super Puma helicopter ditched in the Etap field in February
"It is understood that there are 16 people on board the aircraft."
BP said: "Emergency teams are responding and the relevant authorities have been informed.BP said: "Emergency teams are responding and the relevant authorities have been informed.
"BP's onshore emergency team has been mobilised and are assisting in the co-ordination of support services."BP's onshore emergency team has been mobilised and are assisting in the co-ordination of support services.
"We cannot confirm details of the incident at this stage. Our priority at this time is to manage the incident.""We cannot confirm details of the incident at this stage. Our priority at this time is to manage the incident."
A spokeswoman for BAA Aberdeen said it was understood the helicopter had issued a mayday near Peterhead then ditched into the water.A spokeswoman for BAA Aberdeen said it was understood the helicopter had issued a mayday near Peterhead then ditched into the water.
An NHS Grampian spokesperson said: "Our major incident plan is in place and the hospital is well prepared and ready to deal with this incident.An NHS Grampian spokesperson said: "Our major incident plan is in place and the hospital is well prepared and ready to deal with this incident.
"Additional staff are available if required and we will continue to assess the situation to ensure that we can respond in whatever way we need to.""Additional staff are available if required and we will continue to assess the situation to ensure that we can respond in whatever way we need to."
Weather forecasters said conditions were relatively good, explaining there was little cloud, winds were light and the sea state was good, with waves of only half a metre.Weather forecasters said conditions were relatively good, explaining there was little cloud, winds were light and the sea state was good, with waves of only half a metre.
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.
Do you have a comment about the incident? You can contact us using the form below.Do you have a comment about the incident? You can contact us using the form below.
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions Read the terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions