A helicopter belonging to a B.C.-based company has crashed in Norway, leaving 11 people dead and two missing.
Richmond’s CHC Helicopters confirmed to Business In Vancouver one of its helicopters was involved in the accident off the coast of western Norway Friday (April 29).
“The details surrounding the event are still emerging and a full Emergency Response Plan has been initiated,” CHC wrote in an emailed statement.
“The relevant authorities have been advised and we are working closely with them and our customer to gather as much factual information as possible.”CHC declined interview requests but the statement went on to say the company is working with the original equipment manufacturer on “any actions that may be deemed appropriate going forward.”
A spokesman for Norway’s Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre told the Associated Press the helicopter was carrying 11 Norwegians, one Briton and one Italian.
Meanwhile, Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported 11 of the people onboard the helicopter were oil workers employed by Statoil.
CHC has about 70 bases throughout the world that it uses to ferry workers to remote oilrigs.
It also assists with search-and-rescue efforts and provides repair and maintenance services.
The company employs about 4,500 full-time workers.
New York-based investment group Clayton, Dubilier & Rice secured a 45% stake in CHC in 2014 with an investment of about $500 million.
