News / Death of missing crewman confirmed
THE MISSING crewman from the oil standby vessel Vos Sailor lost after the boat was damaged by a large wave has died, the government confirmed on Saturday evening.
Shetland coastguard’s Oscar Romeo and two other helicopters from RAF Lossiemouth and the BP Jigsaw safety winched 11 other crewmen from the vessel as 120 miles north east of Aberdeen and flew them to the city.
The vessel was left drifting in high seas and strong winds after losing power and all non-essential staff were from nearest oil production platform, the FPSO North Sea Producer.
A spokesman for Grampian Police said: “It appears at this time that one crew member has suffered fatal injuries.
“Next of kin have been informed of this situation although no details can be confirmed at this time. Efforts are ongoing to recover the vessel which will be brought in to Aberdeen harbour in due course.
“As is normal in such circumstances a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
Environment and climate change minister Paul Wheelhouse sent his condolences to the family and friends of the crewman. “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time,” he said.
The alarm was raised at 4.30am when a nearby installation picked up a faint mayday message on Channel 16 and relayed it to Aberdeen coastguard who coordinated the rescue operation.
Six other boats in the vicinity were also sent to the scene 120 miles north east of Aberdeen.
A spokeswoman for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency said the Vos Sailor was no longer thought to be at risk of sinking and a salvage operation was being organised.
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