Sadly, the seventh person onboard the helicopter lost in Morecambe Bay last night has not been found.
This follows a comprehensive 22 hour sea search coordinated by Liverpool Coastguard, covering up to 32 square miles of sea and involving two RAF helicopters, three RNLI lifeboats and three rig platform stand-by vessels with their associated fast response vessels.
Six bodies were recovered from the sea last night during the early stages of the rescue operation, close to where the helicopter was seen going into the sea. Wreckage from the aircraft has been recovered by rescuers as part of the investigation by the AAIB (Air Accident Investigation Branch).
The weather conditions in the area are worsening with gales forecast for the Irish Sea and Liverpool Coastguard do not plan to resume an active search and rescue operation on Friday. However, vessels in the area will be asked to continue to keep a look out and report anything found to the Coastguard.
Jim Paton, Liverpool Coastguard Operations Manager said:
Liverpool Coastguard has coordinated an intensive sea surface search lasting nearly 24 hours. The initial search last night was launched very quickly and the search area has been thoroughly covered. All that could be done in terms of search and rescue has been done and I must pay tribute to all the crews of the vessels and helicopters who spared no effort in searching in difficult conditions. Also the operations room of Liverpool Coastguard who coordinated the search. Sadly, all realistic hope has gone of finding a survivor at this stage of the operation. Our thoughts and sympathy are with the families and friends of the men involved.
Posted By: Julia Gosling
For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401
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