North sea chopper crash victim is named

Apr 3 2009 by Sharon Liptrott, Dumfries Standard Friday

David Rae

A DUMFRIES man was among the 16 people on board the helicopter which crashed into the North Sea on Wednesday.

David J Rae, 63, of Castle Douglas Road, was employed by drilling contractor KCA Deutag Drilling Limited.

Grampian Police confirmed that the dad-of-two was on the Bond Super Puma helicopter when it came down about 35 miles off the coast of Crimond, Aberdeenshire, just before 2pm. It was returning to Aberdeen from BP’s Miller oilfield platform, 168 miles north east of the city.

Eight bodies have been recovered. It has not been confirmed whether or not Mr Rae’s body has been found.

Dumfries MSP Elaine Murray said: “My condolences go out to the friends and family of the man who has lost his life in this tragic accident.”