At least eight people have died and another eight are missing after a helicopter crash in the North Sea. The Super Puma came down about 50 kms northeast of Aberdeen. It had just left a British Petroleum oil rig and sent out a mayday call before impact.

“This is a tragic day in the North Sea, my thoughts are with the relatives of those who have lost their lives in the crash,” said Prime Minister Gordon Brown. “It is at times like these that we remember the risks and dangers that people have to undergo to meet our energy needs.” Police said eight bodies had been recovered but there was no sign of the other passengers. Everyone was equipped with survival suits. A similar Super Puma ditched in the North Sea six weeks ago. All 18 people aboard then were rescued alive.

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