The mother of a north-east oil worker who escaped a fatal helicopter crash in Africa has said her son is “lucky” to be alive.
Margaret McDonald told the Press and Journal of her relief after oil worker Alistair survived the tragic accident off the coast of Ghana, which happened on Thursday.
Mr McDonald – who is originally from Aberdeen but now lives in Spain with his wife, Thelma – was on his way to the Jack Ryan oil rig in Ghana’s Jubilee oil field when the helicopter transporting him and seven others from the mainland ditched.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed that three people died in the accident, with another passenger – believed to be a Ghanaian national – missing. A major search operation has been launched with support of the country’s navy and air forces.
Mr McDonald, who works as a ROV supervisor for Dubai-based Oceaneering, was unable to speak to his family until Sunday – three days after the accident – when he arrived home to Alicante, Spain.
Until then they had no idea if he was still alive.
“There was no news here. Trying to find out anything initially was impossible,” said his mother.
“He has been incredibly lucky.”
Mr McDonald, a father-of-one, was brought up in Kincorth, where his family still live.
The Black Hawk helicopter was just three miles from the coastal town of Takoradi when it ditched.
Lukoil Overseas, the Russian helicopter contractor transporting the men, said it was too early to know exactly what caused the crash.
A spokesman for the company confirmed five Ghanaians, one Nigerian, one British and one French national were involved.
“The helicopter was on a routine crew shuttle mission transporting contractor personnel from the airport in Takoradi to the Jack Ryan offshore drilling rig to conduct exploration activities offshore Ghana,” he said.
“Three fatalities have been confirmed and one person remains missing.
“A search is currently under way and an investigation is launched to identify the causes of accident.
“Lukoil Overseas extends its sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this tragic accident.”
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