Bristow Group Inc. confirmed that one of its search and rescue helicopters, registration LN-OIJ with six crew members onboard, was involved in an accident during a training exercise approximately 15 nautical miles west of Bergen, Norway.

A spokesperson for the company said, "It is with deep sadness that we can report one fatality has been confirmed. The other five crew members have varying levels of injuries. Our thoughts are with all those affected during this incredibly difficult period."

At this time, the full resources of Bristow’s incident response team are being mobilized. The Company is in the process of contacting and providing assistance to family members of those onboard and fully cooperating with authorities responding to the incident. 

“This is a deeply tragic incident. Today is a difficult day for many, and our thoughts are with the families, close ones and others affected,” says Anders Opedal, Equinor’s chief executive officer.

“Everyone on board the helicopter was on assignment for Equinor. Our key task now is to help take care of those involved. We express our thanks to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and everyone involved in the rescue operation and the ongoing work,” says Opedal.

Equinor is cooperating closely with helicopter operator Bristow Norway and relevant authorities in the handling and follow-up of the incident.

After the accident, Equinor decided to halt all regular flights on the Norwegian continental shelf out of consideration for those affected and to gain an overview of the situation.

The company aims to return to normal helicopter operations soon and is now making the necessary preparations to achieve this safely.

Equinor has established a next-of-kin support line on +47 800 500 20 and has contributed to establishing a centre for next of kin at the Scandic Kokstad hotel in Bergen, in cooperation with the police.