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Dear Readers,
We make a special effort here to record the facts as we receive them. At times, there may be error but we do try to use our best judgement at the time of posting, and will be glad to amend any details which are proved incorrect. Furthermore, even though we do not here discuss the human cost, we realize that losing anyone in an air accident is insurmountable tragedy to individuals, families and communities. We do extend our heartfelt sympathy to those whose loss we record here. "...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for..." us all.
Meditation XVII - (with apologies to) John Donne


2009/03/14

18 Dead or Missing in Newfoundland Helicopter Crash


Pictured: Couger-owned Sikorsky S-61N Helicopter
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Phil Earle


What: Cougar Helicopter' Sikorsky Helibus (twin-turboshaft) en route to offshore Hibernia oil field to bring down two passengers and 14 were going to the Sea Rose oil platform
Where: off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, in the Atlantic.
When: Thursday morning March 12
Who: 18 people aboard
Why: At 9:15 a.m., the Sikorsky pilot sent an SOS to Gander Newfoundland air traffic controllers. After the mayday, the helicopter ditched in the Atlantic. Two people were sighted but only one was recovered. Robert Decker, has been transported to St. John's hospital. Searchers received signals from survival suits equipped with water-activiated locator beacons and integrated life vests.

The search has been hampered by a gale force warning. Visibility is 10 nautical miles.

Couger, Husky Energy and ExxonMobile have made statements to the press. The Hibernia oil platform is owned by ExxonMobil Canada, Chevron Canada Resources, Petro-Canada, Canada Hibernia Holding Corporation, Murphy Oil and StatoilHydro Canada Ltd.

The SeaRose oil platform in the White Rose oil and gas field is operated by Husky Energy and Petro-Canada.

Flight Aware

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