Another helicopter operator suspends Super Puma flights following North Sea ditching A SECOND North Sea helicopter operator has suspended flights by its entire Super Puma fleet following yesterday's controlled ditching of a Super Puma EC225 model in the waters off Shetland. Bristow joins CHC helicopters in suspending Super Puma flights French manufacturer to send investigation team to Scotland to probe helicopter ditching Bristow Helicopters has announced that the company has grounded its fleet of all Super Pumas it operates - the EC225 and AS332L2 - while investigations continue into the cause of the dramatic ditching of the CHC operated chopper. The two pilots and 17 oilworkers on board the CHC Super Puma escaped unscathed and were airlifted to safety following a massive rescue operation involving three lifeboats, three search and rescue helicopters and a fast rescue craft from an oil tanker in the icy seas, 32 miles south of Shetland. CHC Helicopters announced on Monday night that its fleet of Super Puma EC 225 aircraft were being grounded on a temporary basis "pending receipt or confirmation of certain information from the crew involved in today's incident and technical follow up." And another major operator Bristow has now confirmed that all its Super Puma helicopters are being grounded as a precautionary measure. A spokesman for the company said: "Investigations into the incident are on-going and Bristow Helicopters Ltd have taken the decision to delay operations with our EC225 and AS332L2 Super Puma helicopters until further information is available." He added: "The safety of our passengers and crew is of paramount importance to Bristow and we comply fully with the manufacturer's recommended maintenance and operational procedures for all of our aircraft. Bristow Helicopters remain totally committed to the highest standards of airworthiness for our fleet. Meanwhile Eurocopter, the French company which manufactures the Super Puma, has announced plans to send a team of specialists to Aberdeen to assist in the investigation into the cause of the ditching - the fourth serious incident involving a Super Puma helicopter since 2009.. A company spokeswoman said: "Eurocopter is working on this event with the highest priority together with the operator and the authorities. Eurocopter is not able to further comment at this stage and is mobilizing a team of specialists to provide additional support alongside its existing personnel in Aberdeen.