Pilot Dies in Gulf of Mexico Helicopter Crash. Two Injured

Pilot Dies in Gulf of Mexico Helicopter Crash. Two Injured

A helicopter carrying three workers who had just completed their offshore shifts crashed today in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, around 30 miles north of Venice. The pilot died, two of workers sustained severe back injuries, one was unharmed.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report at 7:24 a.m. from the offshore supply vessel Ridge, that a helicopter crashed near Main Pass Block 108. The Ridge retrieved four people from the crash.

Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crew to the location of the offshore supply vessel. The offshore supply vessel transferred the four people to an oil rig. The helicopter crew brought one person aboard with reported back injuries and transported him to LSU Medical Center. Acadian Air transported three people to LSU Medical Center.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

According to the AP, the three workers are employed by Wood Group, and are all from Louisiana. The helicopter was owned by Panther Helicopters of Belle Chasse.

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Offshore Energy Today Staff, October 09, 2013