Seven men lost as gas rig helicopter crashes at sea

Six men were killed and one was still missing last night after a helicopter carrying gas-field workers crashed into the Irish Sea 25 miles off the coastline of Morecambe Bay in Cumbria.

The aircraft had been ferrying employees of the energy firm Centrica, which owns British Gas, between platforms in the bay. It had taken off from Blackpool airport at 6pm but lost contact at around 6.30pm shortly after sending a distress signal.

Lancashire Police said the aircraft had landed on two platforms and was making its way to a third gas rig when it ditched into the sea. Police said the helicopter had been bringing workers back to shore and believed it was making its last call at the drilling platform. There were five Centrica employees and two aircrew on board.

A major rescue operation co-ordinated by Liverpool coastguards was launched involving rescue helicopters from RAF Valley and RAF Leconfield, two lifeboats and three other craft.

Police said that six bodies had been recovered at 11pm by rescue teams, who were continuing their search for the missing person last night. It was not disclosed if the missing person was a crew member or passenger.

CHC Helicopter Corporation, which operated the downed Eurocopter AS365N, said the incident had occurred at approximately 6.35pm.

It was not known what caused the helicopter to ditch although aviation specialists speculated that the cause could have been a "catastrophic malfunction" as weather conditions had been good. According to the shipping forecast issued by the Met Office, sea conditions in Morecambe Bay at the time had been "moderate". The winds had been light and visibility was good.

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the helicopter had ditched around 25 miles off the coast.

Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell of Lancashire Constabulary, said: "On board were seven people, two crew and five passengers. The helicopter had been travelling around various rigs in Morecambe Bay. I am sad to say at the moment we have recovered six bodies and the search continues for the outstanding person. Our job is to assist with the investigation and support the concerned relatives."

In a statement, Centrica said: "We are contacting all families connected with our Morecambe Bay gas fields and express our thoughts for the relatives of those missing at this time."

David Learmont, an aviation specialist, said: "The fact that the people on that flight were so well equipped and yet did not survive implies that there was a catastrophic malfunction."

CHC Helicopter is the world's largest provider of helicopter services to the offshore oil and gas industry. A Canadian outfit, it operates in 30 countries and runs a fleet of 215 helicopters. Its aircraft help to service more than 55 per cent of the lucrative North Sea gas and oil transport market.

This year it won a five-year British contract to operate four rescue helicopter bases for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.