Helicopter crash off Canada coast (off Newfoundland, 1 rescued, 17 missing)

[B o d i]

Source: BBC

A helicopter has ditched in Atlantic waters off Canada's easternmost province of Newfoundland.

Jeri Grychowski from the Rescue-Coordination Centre in Halifax said at least one passenger of the 18 aboard has been rescued.


google for updates
http://news.google.com/news?pz=1&ncl=1314455609



edit: Better link, thanks bigworld http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/03/12/offshore-helicopter.html


One person was recovered alive from where a Cougar Helicopters chopper went down Thursday, after issuing a mayday and an alert about technical problems at about 9:18 NT, or 7:48 a.m. ET.

Lt. David Bowen, a Halifax-based official with military search and rescue, said two life-rafts were located, but no one was aboard.

Although the helicopter had sunk beneath the surface, Bowen said search crews are trying to remain optimistic.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7940297.stm

[bigworld]

1. More from the CBC

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/03/12/offshore-helicopter.html

[Tab]

2. Survival time of 24 hours?

I'd think it'd be more like 10 minutes. And I can swim. Holy shit.

[Blue_Tires]

3. evidently the crew/passengers were wearing a sort of mandatory 'survival suit'

that is supposed to keep them alive for about 30 hrs

edit: assuming of course they got out and didn't sink with the chopper