Investigators urge beacon review

Jun 26 2009

Accident investigators have ordered a review of the correct use of location devices following difficulties in rescuing 18 people on board a helicopter which crashed into the North Sea near an oil platform.

Special locator beacon wristwatches worn by the passengers may have prevented stronger homing signals from initially being picked up by rescuers, a report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said.

All 16 passengers and two crew members were safely recovered from two liferafts in the incident on the evening of February 18.