Four people have died after a helicopter carrying 18 from an offshore oil platform crashed into the North Sea off Scotland, police said Saturday, AP reported. The Eurocopter Super Puma helicopter - operated by CHC, a company that serves offshore oil and gas platforms - ditched into the sea about two miles (3 kms) from Sumburgh airport in Shetland on Friday night. It was carrying 16 passengers and two crew members. CHC said the aircraft was approaching the airport when it lost contact with air traffic control. The coastguard agency said it sent helicopters and lifeboats to the scene after receiving a distress signal. "There appears to have been a catastrophic loss of power which meant the helicopter suddenly dropped into the sea without any opportunity to make a controlled landing," said Jim Nicholson, a rescue coordinator. -- SPA 18:17 LOCAL TIME 15:17 GMT تغريد
