Article Posted on : - Mar 14, 2009

File photo of a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter from Cougar Helicopters' website

TORONTO (BNS): Latest media reports suggest that the search for 16 oil workers downed in the Atlantic Ocean following a helicopter crash has winded off, as there is no likelihood of surviving in the freezing waters for more than twenty-four hours.

The chopper that went down on March 12, was operated by Cougar Helicopters, and included 14 passengers destined for the SeaRose FPSO, two passengers destined for Hibernia and two Cougar Helicopters crew members, according to a statement issued by the company.

”This tragic event is very difficult for Cougar Helicopters, the families and friends of those affected and all associated parties,” the company said.

Presently, Cougar Helicopters has suspended regular offshore operations until the circumstances surrounding this event have been properly assessed.

“Cougar Helicopters continues to remain focused on the family and friends of the ‘
personnel affected and on the needs of our employees and customers. Cougar is committed to providing all resources possible and our thoughts are with the family and friends of all involved at this very difficult time,” the statement said.

The Sikorsky S-92 helicopter with 18 people aboard, mostly oil workers, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Canada’s Newfoundland province while en route to the Hibernia offshore oil platform on Thursday.

The crash of the chopper operated by Cougar Helicopters occurred about 47 nautical miles southeast of Newfoundland.

The pilot reported “technical problems” and was returning to the Newfoundland capital of St John’s when the aircraft went down, Cougar General Manager Rick Burt said Thursday.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will hold a press briefing today about its investigation into the March 12 crash of a Cougar Helicopters Sikorsky S-92A off the coast of Newfoundland.