Hunt resumes for helicopter victims

Eight bodies were recovered after the Bond-operated aircraft returning from the BP Miller platform went down off the Aberdeenshire coast.

An extensive search for the remaining eight people started again at first light on Thursday, Aberdeen Coastguard said.

The recovered bodies were on board a support vessel which was making its way to Aberdeen Harbour.

The Queen has sent a private letter of condolence to the families of the victims of the disaster.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown expressed his condolences and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said he was "shocked and saddened" by the incident.

The Super Puma aircraft went down 14 miles from Peterhead just before 2pm on Wednesday.

It issued a mayday which was picked up by air traffic controllers and a major rescue operation was launched.

Weather conditions at the time were said to be good, with low winds and fair visibility.

Grampian Police said it had "increasing and grave concerns" for those still missing.