Police Statement 28 December 2006

Victims Named

The six men who died in the Morecambe Bay Helicopter crash have been named as:

Pilot Stephen Potton – from Blackpool

Pilot Simon Foddering – from Preston

Passengers

Robert Warburton – from Heysham, Lancs

Leslie Ahmed – from South Shields

John Shaw – from Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland

Alfred Neasham – from Durham

Missing

Keith Smith, from Stockton-on-Tees.
Chief Superintendent Russ Weaver chaired a press briefing at 11am at Blackpool police station. He was accompanied by Sam Laidlaw, Chief Executive Officer Centrica, Keith Mullett, Managing Director, CHC Scotia, Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell, and Steven Travis, Coastguard Manager.

This is what Mr Weaver said:

“At approximately 6.30pm on Wednesday (December 27) a helicopter, owned by CHC Scotia from Blackpool airport was on approach to one of the gas platforms owned by Centrica some 25 miles off the Lancashire coast.

"The flight was a routine one moving staff between rigs. As it was approaching one of the drilling platforms it crashed into the sea. The weather was considered normal for this time of the year and none of the witnesses have described any unusual event as the aircraft approached the rig that would account for the fact that the helicopter crashed into the sea some 500 yards short of the platform.

"Seven people were believed to be aboard the helicopter when it crashed.

"An air and sea search was commenced and I regret to say that six bodies have been recovered from the sea. The seventh person is still missing and the search operation is still ongoing. Realistically we must accept that the likelihood of survival is slim.

"The families have been informed of the recovery of bodies and are receiving support both in Lancashire and from colleagues around the country. No formal identification has yet taken place but we are in a position to release details of those aboard the helicopter.

"The crash is now subject of a full investigation which will involve the police and the Air Accident Investigation Branch. The co-operation of all parties including CHC Scotia and Centrica has been invaluable.

"We are mindful that six people have lost their lives and hopes are fading for a seventh still missing. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the relatives and friends of all those involved in this tragic accident.’’

SIX bodies were recovered from the sea after a helicopter crashed near to an oil rig in Morecambe Bay some 24 miles off the coast yesterday (Wednesday, 27 December 2006).

A major rescue operation was launched after the helicopter with seven people on board came down shortly after 6.30pm. RAF helicopters joined the coastguard in the operation and they were joined by lifeboats and support vessels from the rigs.

The search for the seventh passenger continued throughout the night.

Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell said it was a major rescue operation. The response had been quick because people on one of the rigs had actually seen the helicopter crash.

Lancashire Constabulary have established two telephone lines for worried friends and relatives to call. They are 01772-410772 and 01772-410774.
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