Accident information

On 27 December 2006, a helicopter, carrying a team of offshore employees returning to the manned South Morecambe platform following a normal shift, unexpectedly crashed into the Irish Sea. Six of the seven personnel on board died and one is missing, presumed dead.

The helicopter operated by CHC Scotia Limited, was making a routine flight at approximately 6.40pm, between the unmanned Millom West gas platform and the unmanned North Morecambe gas platform, 20 miles off the Lancashire coast. No emergency call was received before it went down.

The six men confirmed dead include Centrica-employed rig workers: Leslie Ahmed, 48, from South Shields, Alfred Neasham, 57, from Durham, John "Jake" Shaw, 51, from Fife and Robert Warburton, 60, from Heysham. Keith Smith, 57, from Stockton-on-Tees, is missing, presumed dead.

Pilots Stephen Potton, 51, from Blackpool and Simon Foddering, 33, from Preston, also died.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the accident and Centrica is working with CHC Scotia, the helicopter operator, and other parties, to ensure that the full cause of this accident is known.

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