DFA confirms death of Pinoy in Dubai helicopter crash

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Friday the death of a Filipino worker in the September 3 crash of a helicopter in Dubai.

DFA spokesperson Claro Cristobal identified the Filipino victim as Diosdado Buhangin, 48, a native of Southern Leyte.

"The DFA and the Philippine consulate general in Dubai will assist the OFW's family in the repatriation of his remains," Cristobal told GMANews.TV in a text message.

According to the DFA, the Bell 212 helicopter crashed some 40 miles off Dubai, killing all seven passengers including the pilot.

The Associated Press reported on Thursday that the helicopter was carrying workers to a jackup rig operated by oilfield service provider Petrofac Ltd. on behalf of Dubai Petroleum Co., the companies said.

The victims included a citizen from the United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan, the Philippines and Venezuela, as well as two Indians, the Emirati aviation authorities said.

A Dubai Petroleum spokesman, who declined to be named because he wasn't yet authorized to give details of the crash to the media, said five of the victims were passengers and two were crew members.

A Petrofac spokesman said he could not confirm the victims' nationalities. He said none of the company's employees were among the victims.

"We are still in the process of identifying the deceased and notifying the next of kin," said Olly Scott, speaking on behalf of Petrofac.

Dubai Petroleum and Petrofac said the helicopter was operated by Dubai-based Aerogulf Services, and that it struck the deck of the Maersk rig during takeoff Wednesday, broke apart and plunged into the Persian Gulf waters.

A fire broke out aboard the main deck of the rig but was quickly extinguished, the companies said.

A jackup rig consists of a movable drilling platform that sits out of the water on legs resting on the seabed.

There were no casualties on the drilling rig or platform themselves, which have been secured, the companies added.

All operations in the Rashid field have been halted, they said. Scott said it was unclear when the rig would be back in service. - with reports from AP, GMANews.TV

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