RESCUERS were searching freezing water last night for 16 people missing after a helicopter reported mechanical problems and ditched into the Atlantic Ocean.
Of the 18 on board, one person was rescued by another helicopter and one person was confirmed dead after the crash off Newfoundland, officials said.
The other 16 were missing about 30 miles (48km) out to sea, a news conference heard.
The rescued man, Robert Decker, was flown to the Health Sciences Centre, in St John’s, where he was said to be in a critical but stable condition.
Jeri Grychowski, of the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, in Halifax, confirmed one death but it was not clear if the body had been recovered.
Two life-rafts were spotted in the water, but rescuers later confirmed they were empty.
The water temperature was zero.
