Oil & Gas UK’s Chief Executive Malcolm Webb said: “Oil & Gas UK expresses its profound sorrow at the news of the deaths and injuries resulting from yesterday’s helicopter ditching off Shetland.  Our thoughts are first and foremost with all who were on this flight, their  families and their friends and we send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of all of those who have so tragically lost their lives.

“We also wish to thank and acknowledge all those persons involved in the, still continuing, search and rescue operation. Their prompt, professional action no doubt saved many lives and for that we are sincerely thankful.

“All offshore helicopter pilots undergo extensive training to prepare them for emergency situations and all passengers undergo regular helicopter evacuation training.  This incident serves to emphasise the critical importance of such preparation and training.

“Helicopter safety remains a focus for the oil and gas industry, with the Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG) now an established part of the Step Change in Safety organisation. Oil & Gas UK awaits more information on this incident and, through the HSSG, will ensure any learning from this is shared across the industry.”

The Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG) is a pan industry body comprising representatives from helicopter operators, oil and gas operators and contractors, offshore trade unions, the pilots’ union BALPA, the regulators HSE and CAA, and Oil & Gas UK.  It builds on the work of the former Helicopter Task Group which was created in the immediate aftermath of the tragic Flight 85N on 1 April 2009.  Its remit is to identify and address cross-industry issues relating to helicopter safety in UK offshore oil and gas operations.  Further information can be found here.