CHC helicopters confirmed one of its Eurocopter EC225 Super Pumas, with 19 people on board, carried out a controlled ditching in the North Sea at about 15:30h local time between the Orkney and Shetland islands in light winds and a fairly benign sea state.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) says the helicopter ditched close to a large vessel and all 19 occupants climbed into a life-raft without injury.

The MCA says the vessel launched a fast patrol boat which recovered the crew to the ship, and two helicopters were dispatched to the area, which was 25km (13nm) southwest of Fair Isle.

Source: Flight International