In repeat incident, another Eurocopter AS332L2 Super Puma helicopter, this one operated by Bond Offshore Helicopters, has crashed off the north east coast of Scotland in the North Sea with 16 on board.

Unlike the last time, when all persons on board survived, this time it appears 10 persons have lost their lives.

The Coastguards says the incident happened about 40 miles north east of Aberdeen, just before 1400 (1300 GMT), as the helicopter returned from British Petroleum's Miller field.

The U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency says a supply vessel called Normand Aurora had put its fast response boat into the water and was looking for survivors. Two helicopters from the RAF and a Nimrod marine patrol aircraft have been diverted to the area.

The earlier incident also involving the Eurocopter AS332L2 Super Puma occurred on February 19 this year. With two crashes less than 45 days apart questions about this workhorse helicopter are sure to be raised.

Read more news reports here, here and here.

A Super Puma helicopter with 18 people on board crashed in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland Wednesday. The helicopter ditched about 120 miles east of Aberdeen while approaching an offshore platform in the ETAP field.

Four helicopters, including three in-field aircraft and a Sea King from RAF Lossiemouth, took part in the rescue. The Royal Air Force (RAF) at Kinloss also scrambled a Nimrod. The RAF received its first report of the crash at 18:43 GMT.

BBC quoting the Aberdeen coast guard says all 18 people on-board the helicopter have survived and have been rescued from two life-rafts, say coastguard.

The Eurocopter AS 332 Super Puma is a workhorse, ferrying workers to and from oil platforms in the North Sea.

Image: Eurocopter