April 1, 2009
RMT expresses horror at loss of life in helicopter crash
Union calls for model involved to be grounded pending investigation
OFFSHORE UNION RMT tonight expressed its horror at the loss of life involved in the helicopter crash that took place in the North Sea off Peterhead this afternoon.
The union tonight urged that the helicopter model involved – the Super Puma AS 332L – be grounded as a precaution pending an investigation into what caused an apparent catastrophic failure of the aircraft before it crashed.
“All our thoughts are with the families of those involved in this appalling tragedy, and our Aberdeen team will be offering whatever assistance and advice it can at this awful time,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said tonight.
“Reports indicate that today’s crash was the result of a catastrophic failure in the aircraft, and it would make sense for the model involved to be grounded until it is clear what caused it,” said RMT offshore organiser Jake Molloy
“The crash six weeks ago rang serious alarm bells, and todays will have shattered confidence in helicopter safety that took years to rebuild after a spate of crashes in the 80s and 90s.
“The industry owes it to those who have died today to show that it is doing everything in its power to pinpoint exactly what went wrong and ensure that it does not happen again,” Jake Molloy said.
ends
For further information contact Derek Kotz at RMT on 07939 595 092
or RMT offshore organiser Jake Molloy on 07711 359 705