BRITAIN:A major sea rescue attempt was under way last night after a civil helicopter ditched into the water at Morecambe Bay, the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.
It is believed a number of crew are missing and the crash site was last night being scoured by rescuers for survivors. Two rescue helicopters, two lifeboats and three other craft are at the scene.
The helicopter was believed to be carrying employees of energy company Centrica.
Michael Mulford, from the Royal Air Force Rescue Centre, said contact with the helicopter was lost at around 6pm and it is believed to have crashed into the water.
He told Sky News: "We are looking for seven people who are almost certainly going to be in the water." It is understood that the helicopter crashed 20 miles off the Lancashire coast.
Mr Mulford added: "What we have are good searching conditions, albeit it is dark. It is bound to be very cold in the water at this point."
A spokesman for the coastguard said the helicopter had taken off from Blackpool airport and ditched around 25 miles off the coast of Morecambe Bay.
The rescue is being co-ordinated by Liverpool coastguards and lifeboats from Fleetwood and Barrow have been sent to the scene.
Lancashire Constabulary are setting up an incident room to help co-ordinate the rescue attempt in Blackpool. - (PA)