"A CHC Helicopter [Eurocopter] Super Puma [AS332] L2 aircraft landed in the water Friday, August 23, about two nautical miles west of Sumburgh, on Shetland Island in the U.K." CHC Helicopter said in a statement issued yesterday. "The helicopter had traveled from Aberdeen to two North Sea oil-and-gas rigs before returning to Sumburgh. The aircraft was on approach to Sumburgh Airport at about 6:30 p.m. local time when contact was lost with air traffic control. Sixteen passengers and two crew members were on board. Authorities have confirmed four people perished in the accident. The thoughts and prayers of all CHC people are with victims of the incident and their loved ones.

"The Maritime Coastguard Helicopter from Sumburgh along with other rescue services promptly responded to the scene, supported by aircraft from the U.K. Royal Air Force and other organizations. We appreciate their rapid and committed efforts at the scene.

"We do not know the cause of the incident. A full investigation will be carried out in conjunction with the U.K. Air Accident Investigation Branch. As a precaution, we are temporarily suspending all of our Super Puma L2 flights worldwide. Also, in deference to the incident and the investigation, we suspended all flights Saturday by our Aberdeen operations.

"Currently we are particularly focused on supporting the people involved in the incident and their families. CHC's primary objective is always the well-being of our passengers and colleagues. A support line for relatives of people who were or may have been on the aircraft has been established:  +44 1224 296866."