Centrica Statement 28 December 2006

Sam Laidlaw, Chief Executive, Centrica:

“All of us at Centrica have been deeply saddened by the events of last night. The priority for us is to provide as much support as we can to the family and friends and colleagues of those who died.

Those on board the aircraft involved in the tragic accident were:

From Centrica:

o Les Ahmed, married age 48, South Shields
o Alf Neasham, married age 57, Durham
o Jakie Shaw, married age 51, Fife
o Bob Warburton, married age 60, Heysham

From Costain Petrofac Limited:

o Keith Smith

From CHC Scotia - the helicopter operations:

o Steve Potton
o Simon Foddering

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.

All of us who are involved with the production of gas at Centrica have made health and safety our highest priority. Despite the safety routines that are in place for every one of our shuttle flights, we have to come to terms with the terrible news that our colleagues have been lost during yesterday’s crash.

This is the first major incident to affect our operations in Morecambe Bay since they began 21 years ago.

I would also like to thank all of the local people and the agencies including the police, coastguard, lifeboat crews, RAF and indeed our own emergency response teams who have all assisted in the rescue operation so swiftly and professionally.

We will work closely with all involved to understand the circumstances which caused this terrible tragedy.”

Enquiries:
Centrica relatives-only help-line 01524 864585
Centrica Media Relations 01753 494085
Andrew Hanson 07979 566465
Scotia (helicopter operator) 01224 846001
Background information about Centrica can be found at www.centrica.com
Background information about Scotia the helicopter company can be found at www.scotia.ca