The Grip-Austral: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

A significant search and rescue mission was initiated on August 23, 2013, following a tragic incident involving a Eurocopter Super Puma AS332 L2 helicopter operated by CHC. The aircraft, which was carrying 18 passengers, crashed into the sea just as it was preparing to land near Sumburgh Airport, located on the southern part of the Shetland Isles, approximately two miles off the coast. The accident occurred around 6:20 p.m. when contact was unexpectedly lost with air traffic control. Upon arrival at the scene, rescuers found the helicopter upside down in the water, prompting an immediate response. The live fish carrier 'Gerda Saele', the ferry 'Hjaltland' with 201 individuals onboard, and the cargo vessel 'Helliar' participated in the rescue operation. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the Coastguard and local emergency services, 15 individuals were successfully rescued and transported to the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick for treatment. Of those rescued, five were discharged promptly, while nine remained overnight for observation and treatment for exposure. Sadly, the bodies of three passengers have been recovered, with efforts ongoing to retrieve the fourth individual who remains trapped within the helicopter wreckage. Additional support came from a rescue helicopter stationed in Shetland, the RAF rescue helicopter from Lossiemouth, two Bond helicopters, and RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Lerwick and Aith. The immense scale of the operation has been further complemented by a specialist medical team dispatched from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to Lerwick. In light of the ongoing situation, Sumburgh Airport was temporarily closed to facilitate emergency response efforts. Search operations faced challenges due to severely poor visibility, reportedly reduced to less than 50 meters. The helicopter, which was en route to the Borgsten Dolphin rig located around 50 nautical miles east of Shetland's northern coast, had life rafts that were recovered empty, alongside some wreckage washing ashore at the southern end of Sumburgh. In response to this incident, the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch has deployed a team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. During a recent meeting of the Helicopter Safety Steering Group, offshore companies, and unions decided to suspend commercial flights involving all Super Puma models until at least August 28. The four individuals who tragically lost their lives were engaged in work for Total through contractor organizations. This incident remains a somber reminder of the risks faced by those working in offshore environments. For additional updates and detailed coverage, including photos and videos, please visit the following links: - [Sky News Helicopter Crash Coverage](http://news.sky.com/story/1132538/helicopter-crashes-into-sea-off-shetland) - [RNLI Rescue Operation Details](http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/RNLI-lifeboats-involved-in-rescue-operation-following-North-Sea-helicopter-crash.aspx)

On October 21, 2011, at 6:26 a.m., the dedicated volunteer crew of the Aith RNLI lifeboat received an urgent call for assistance involving the fishing vessel 'Gerda Seale.' The vessel experienced an unexpected loss of engine power while navigating mid-channel en route to Scalloway harbour. Upon the lifeboat's swift arrival at the incident site, it was observed that another nearby salmon tender had already come to the aid of the 'Gerda Seale,' successfully taking it under tow toward safety in Scalloway harbour. The Coastguard made the decision to stand down the lifeboat at 7:45 a.m., allowing it to return to the station by 9:15 a.m. This incident highlights the collaborative spirit of maritime safety and the quick response of volunteers in the fishing community.