A helicopter, believed to be carrying 18 people, has ditched west of Shetland.
Lifeboats have been launched from Aith and Lerwick
The incident happened west of Sumburgh airport at about 19:00.
The helicopter was operated by CHC, taking people to and from oil and gas platforms in the North Sea.
Nine people have arrived in Lerwick after being flown there from the scene by coastguard rescue helicopter. One was taken off the flight by stretcher. The rest walked off the flight.
A ferry travelling between Shetland and Aberdeen was diverted to the scene.
The RNLI said Aith and Lerwick lifeboats were launched.
Rescue helicopters
The police and ambulance service are standing by in Lerwick.
The BBC understands that they are anticipating a number of casualties being brought by rescue helicopter to the island.
A spokesman from Lerwick lifeboat station said two rescue helicopters have also been sent to the incident from Sumburgh airport.
Northlink Ferries confirmed that one of its ferries had been diverted. The vessel left the Shetlands and was heading to Aberdeen but was diverted back to the incident.
Police Scotland said they were aware of the incident and were working with the coastguard.
Investigators from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) are travelling to the scene.
A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: “The AAIB is aware of the incident and has deployed a team”.
Agencies
