16 feared dead in North Sea 'copter crash

London, Apr.2 (ANI): At least 16 people, 14 of them oil workers, have died in a helicopter crash in the North Sea.The Super Puma was just over 16 miles offshore when it is believed to have suffered a catastrophic malfunction. Eight bodies have been recovered so far, The Sun reports.

Nine of those killed were British, while another was Eastern European.

Experts warned there was little hope of finding anyone alive.

The doomed aircraft, operated by rig helicopter company Bond, was returning from BP's Miller platform 167 miles north east of Aberdeen.

The oil field stopped production in 2007 and was undergoing decommissioning.

A massive rescue operation was launched after a mayday call to staff at Aberdeen Coastguard at 1.57 p.m.The tragedy happened six weeks after 16 offshore workers and two 'copter crew were saved after their Super Puma also ditched in the North Sea.

The Queen last night sent a message of condolence to the victims' families. (ANI)