Helicopter loss

THE impact of the North Sea helicopter crash will hit families across Britain, Scotland’s First Minister said yesterday.

Alex Salmond said the 16 victims of the tragedy came from all over the country — and beyond.

Police have said the search was now being treated as a recovery operation.

Eight bodies have been taken from the water following Wednesday’s accident, 23km from Aberdeenshire.

Salmond said eight of the victims came from north-east Scotland.