UK Energy Minister John Hayes has praised good training and safety standards for averting a “disaster” after the helicopter ditching.
The Conservative MP told the Press and Journal he was “immensely thankful” that the 17 offshore workers and two crew were rescued on Monday.
The incident, 14 miles west of Fair Isle, south of Shetland, happened about six months after another Bond Super Puma with 18 people on board safely ditched in the North Sea as it approached a production platform owned by BP.
Asked about the safety concerns, Mr Hayes said: “We’re all immensely thankful what could have been a disaster was averted.
“It re-emphasises, actually, this is a dangerous business. By its nature, it is dangerous.
“Our job is to ensure all the safety precautions are in place.”