UPDATE: Bristow Group Inc. has confirmed the body of the pilot was recovered from a weekend Helicopter crash in the Guif of Mexico.
The flight was carrying one pilot and one passenger. The passenger was identified as Nicholas Duplantis of Houma. According to the Houma Times, Duplantis was an employee of Talos Energy, an independent offshore oil and gas company. The name of the pilot has not been released at this time.
A GoFundMe account has been created for Duplantis’ family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragic accident,” Miller said. “Nothing is more important than the safety of our passengers and crew, so yesterday’s accident deeply affects all of us. We are committed to conducting a full investigation and supporting everyone impacted by this.”
The helicopter was frequently used to transport workers to offshore platforms.
Federal Authorties are leading the investigation into the crash and Bristow group says they are cooperating with the investigation.
ORIGINAL: Bristow Group has confirmed that one of its New Iberia based helicopters was involved in an accident around noon Sunday in the Gulf of Mexico.
The aircraft, a Bell 407, was operating between Galliano and Venice, Louisiana, Bristow Group said.
Preliminary information indicates the aircraft was carrying one passenger and one crew member.
“Our highest priority is assisting those involved and impacted by the accident,” said President and CEO Don Miller.
The families of those onboard the aircraft have been contacted, Miller said.
The company is in the process of collecting information and will release more details as soon as it is available, he said.
The helicopters registration number was listed as N577AL.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says its officers responded to assist several agencies in the recovery efforts.
