Statoil’s executive vice president Arne Sigve Nylund said the company had been hit by a “terrible tragedy” after losing “good colleagues and friends”.
He spoke at a press conference hours after the crash involving 11 passengers and two crew returning on a flight from the Gullfaks B platform in the North Sea.
All 13 people on board are presumed dead, with 11 bodies found, while the search continues for two remaining passengers.
Nylund said those killed had worked for numerous companies but had all been travelling from the platform after carrying out work for Statoil.
He said: “This is a deep tragedy, when 13 colleagues do not come home, families are affected and colleagues lose dear friends.
“Today, we have been hit by a terrible tragedy, one of the most severe helicopter accidents in the history of the Norwegian oil industry. It is with great sorrow we have received the message that 13 people have been involved in this accident.
“More than anything, our thoughts are now with those who have lost their loved ones, and an entire industry extends its sympathy to them.
“We will now do everything we can to give them our support and assistance. The deceased were employed in different companies, but they were all on a mission for Statoil.”
A site has been set up at an hotel in Bergen for relatives affected by the incident.
A centre for next of kin has been established at Scandic Bergen Airport Hotel, where a minister to seamen, psychologists and other personnel with experience from following up next of kin and others affected are available.
Statoil has temporarily grounded all equivalent traffic helicopters.
For all the latest on the incident click here.
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