Recovery operation ongoing as crash survivors fly to Aberdeen
Ryan TaylorThe recovery operation at the scene of last night’s helicopter tragedy near Sumburgh Airport is ongoing tonight.
Police Scotland say they have deployed specialist resources and operational personnel to Shetland. A number of officers have already arrived and are working with police and other agencies on a coordinated local response.
Police also confirmed that 12 of those who were involved in the incident have now arrived safely in Aberdeen.
A further two people are still receiving treatment at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick, although their conditions are not life-threatening.
The Friday night emergency was sparked when the Super Puma ditched suddenly west of Sumburgh Airport, killing four people.
They have been named as Duncan Munro, 46, from Bishop Auckland; Sarah Darnley, 45, from Elgin; Gary McCrossan, 59, from Inverness and George Allison, 57, from Winchester.
Statements have been issued on behalf of the families of two of the dead.
Sarah Darnley is believed to be the first female victim of an off-shore tragedy in the North Sea.
She is survived by her parents Anne and Edmund Darnley, of Elgin, her sister Angela and nephew Nicholas, also of Elgin.
Speaking on behalf of her family her mother Anne said: “We are shocked by the sudden loss of Sarah, who was a fun-loving free spirit who will be sorely missed.
“Sarah was born and brought up in the Elgin area. She attended Elgin High School and moved to Aberdeen when she was 19.
“She enjoyed her job. She had great camaraderie with her colleagues and over the years she made some fantastic friends whom she was able to visit in various parts of the world including South America and Thailand.
“Sarah lived life to the full, she was easy going and a one-off. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
“We would now ask that our privacy is respected and we are allowed time to grieve in peace.”
A statement released on behalf of Duncan Munro read: “Duncan was a fabulous father to Katy, aged 12 years, and a devoted husband to Penny.
“He was a loving brother and a good friend and colleague to many.
“He will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him and his death will leave a large void in a lot of peoples’ lives.
“His family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support since they received the tragic news. They would also like to pass on their sincere condolences to the other families who have lost loved ones in this tragic incident.”
Roddy Nicolson
It was with utter dismay that I heard about this latest helicopter accident. How many other people do the oil industry intend to kill ? The total must amount to thousands by now. But do they care ? Personally, I think not, as long as the oil keeps flowing.
Rosalind Naylor
I want to pay tribute to the dedicated and brave Search and Rescue Team. Someone very dear to me was one of the pilots involved in the rescue operation. These men are not recognised enough for the extraordinary job they do. More would have lost their lives if this band of men did not work so professionally and as such a close team. I send my condolences to the bereaved families and pray that nothing like this every happens again.
RonStronach
I think you are right Rosalind, I’d like to add the same sentiments to the Search & Rescue, in addition our two lifeboat crews, a job well done and professionally done too.