Helicopter safety petition

A petition calling for MSPs to help to help restore “shattered confidence” in offshore helicopter safety has been passed by union representatives to the Scottish Parliament.

Over 3,000 offshore workers have backed the campaign launched after last year’s Super Puma crash off Sumburgh, which caused four fatalities.

The AS332-type helicopter was returning from the Borgsten Dolphin platform on 23rd August when it ditched off Garth’s Ness.

A total of 20 people have died in five offshore incidents since 2009.

Unite is calling for practical improvements to offshore helicopter design, survival contingencies and training.

It is also seeking an implementation of all previous recommendations made by authorities to maximise safety.

The hand-over coincided with a parliamentary debate led by North-East MSP Richard Baker.

Unite Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty said: “The views of over 3,000 offshore workers cannot be ignored and their collective voice is loud and clear: They want safer helicopter transfers to and from installations in the UK Continental Shelf.”