Helicopter victims 'in prime of life'

The Sikorsky S-76A crashed in the North Sea

A memorial service has been held for the victims of a North Sea helicopter crash in which 11 men died.

The Bishop of Norwich, the Right Reverend Graham James, told 1,500 relatives, friends and colleagues of the victims, that those killed had been "in the prime of life".

He also praised those involved in the rescue operation after the Sikorsky S-76A helicopter ferrying workers between Shell rigs crashed near Cromer, Norfolk, on 16 July.

Friday's service in Norwich Cathedral was broadcast live to rigs owned by Shell.

Some 1,500 mourners attended the service

During the service, a candle was lit in memory of each man by a friend or colleague.

Readings were given by the directors of the companies which employed the men who died - Shell Expro, Bristow Helicopters, and AMEC Upstream Oil and Gas.

Bishop James told the congregation: "Today we are reminded that our hold on life is fragile.

"Those who died in this disaster were in the prime of life - vigorous, strong, active people.

"They still had life ahead of them, as we say."

Money raised from a collection at the memorial service will be donated to charities nominated by the bereaved families.

A report into the crash said the helicopter had a "manufacturing anomaly" made worse by a lightning strike that damaged a rotor blade.