In a maritime mishap off the western coast of Norway, a Bristow Norway-owned Sikorsky S-92 helicopter, dedicated to search and rescue operations for Equinor’s Oseberg oil and gas field, crash-landed in the ocean on Wednesday. The aircraft was on a training mission at the time of the incident, carrying six individuals.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centres swiftly responded, managing to hoist all six occupants from the sea. The individuals were subsequently transported to Haukeland University Hospital, the largest medical facility in the region. However, the current medical conditions of those involved remain unclear.
Heidi Wulff Heimark, Bristow Norway’s country manager, confirmed the helicopter’s ownership and its intended function. Equinor, the energy group affiliated with the aircraft, noted its awareness of the incident and expressed commitment to supporting investigative authorities.
Sikorsky, a unit of Lockheed Martin, stated, “Safety is our top priority,” as investigations into the cause of the crash are underway. A police spokesperson mentioned it is too early to ascertain the factors leading to the incident.
Weather conditions at the time included high winds, according to a rescue service official. Air traffic data revealed multiple rescue helicopters circling near an island west of Bergen, a significant hub for Norway’s offshore oil and gas industry and the second-largest city in the country.
This incident rekindles memories of a tragic event in 2016 when an Airbus Super Puma helicopter crashed in a similar area, claiming the lives of all 13 individuals on board. Following that incident, the Norwegian oil and gas industry suspended the use of that particular helicopter model.
