Helicopter accident

An inquiry has been launched today to investigate why a helicopter carrying 18 people ditched into the North Sea in the early hours of February 19.

All of those on board survived the incident with some being described as suffering from minor injuries after the Super Puma shuttle came down near the platform in the ETAP field.

Witnesses saw the aircraft ditch from the BP oil platform where it was heading. Bernard Looney, managing director at BP North Sea said it was too early to know why the incident had occurred but paid tribute to the rescue teams.

All of the survivors were back at Aberdeen Harbour's Albert Quay by 6am. Air accident investigators are now looking into the cause.