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Investigation under way after helicopter ditches in Western Isles

An AS350 Squirrel aircraft, similar to the one that was forced to land in a loch (iStock)
An AS350 Squirrel aircraft, similar to the one that was forced to land in a loch (iStock)

AN investigation is under way after a helicopter ditched in a loch in the Western Isles.

Officers from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch are travelling to North Uist after the incident at around 10.15am on Wednesday.

PDG Aviation, the helicopter’s owners, were unable to confirm how many people were on board the AS350 Squirrel aircraft.

It was working for the Scottish Salmon Company at the time it ditched in a loch between Lochmaddy and Clachan Na Luib.

A PDG Aviation spokesman said: “I am able to confirm it was one of our aircraft.

“It was out working at the time for the Scottish Salmon Company, but it was not carrying salmon.”

The spokesman added: “We want to work with the authorities to help in investigation and find out exactly what happened.”

Police and ambulance crews attended the incident which forced the closure of local roads.

The A867 was shut between Lochmaddy and Clachan Na Luib.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We received a call at 10.22am to attend an incident at North Uist.

“We dispatched two ambulances and a team leader to the scene.”

Loganair said delays were possible to some of its flights.

A spokesman said: “We are aware there has been a helicopter incident in North Uist and our thoughts are with all those affected.

“Please be advised the incident is impacting upon journey times to/from Benbecula Airport.”