Incident Overview
A helicopter departed from an offshore oil platform with the pilot and three passengers on board. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot transmitted a mayday call but did not specify the nature of the emergency. According to a passenger, the engine sound changed and the pilot instructed him to "get the raft out." The helicopter subsequently impacted the water in rough conditions and sank.
Rescue and Aftermath
A shrimp boat arrived at the scene approximately 30 to 40 minutes later. All four occupants of the helicopter were retrieved from the water. However, the pilot and one passenger later died from injuries sustained in the incident. The other two passengers survived.
Investigation Findings
The helicopter was not recovered, making a full examination impossible. However, a float inflation bottle was found. The bottle was fully charged and the squib had not been fired, indicating that the float system did not deploy. No further details about the cause of the accident were provided in the source.