September 08, 2008

BHPB suspended Angola operations after chopper crash

BHP Billiton confirmed a helicopter crash in which five people have died in Angola. The crash occurred on November 16th approximately 80 kilometer from the Alto Cuilo Camp, a diamonds exploration facility in north eastern Angola. BHP said that the two helicopters struck bad weather as they were transporting personnel to the Alto Cuilo Camp.

Late yesterday afternoon on November 16th, two helicopters struck bad weather as they were transporting personnel to the Alto Cuilo Camp. Both helicopters were forced to land. When the weather cleared the helicopters took off again. Shortly thereafter communication between the two helicopters was lost. The first helicopter tried to reestablish communication with the second, and when it was not able to do so, returned to the agreed rendezvous point where they had taken off after the storm. The second helicopter remained there overnight and at daybreak this morning, the search commenced. The wreckage of the second helicopter was located.

The deceased are Mr David Hopgood COO of BHP Billiton Angola, Mr Kevin Ayre operations manager of Angola Technical Services, Mr Kottie Breedt pilot of Wild Dog Helicopters, Mr Guy Sommerfield of MMC and Mr Louwrens Prinsloo of Prinsloo Drilling.

BHPB release said that “BHP Billiton's current focus is the safety and well being of the staff at our Angolan operations and the provision of support to the families of the deceased. All operations in Angola have been suspended and an investigation has been launched. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased at this time.”