Commenting on the meeting of the North Sea Helicopter Task Force, Cabinet Secretary for Finance John Swinney said: “We are continuing to work closely with all partner agencies who have been involved in this rescue and recovery operation, and I have been closely liaising with trade unions representatives about the safety of staff using the helicopters.
“The North Sea Helicopter Task Force met this afternoon and I understand that this has resulted in a temporary suspension of the flights by the Eurocopter Super Puma family as a precautionary measure.
“We do not anticipate that this temporary suspension will have any immediate impact on the production of oil and gas in the North Sea, but we will continue to monitor this situation closely.
“My thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives and I hope those who were injured make a good recovery.
“It is still too early to know what caused this terrible tragedy, but a full investigation by the relevant authorities is already under way.”