"A police helicopter and a coastguard helicopter were hovering in the air above the site."

But more alarming were the French coastguard helicopters swarming above the stricken liner, evacuating some of the 2,620 passengers and 1,250 crew.

Several times they saw the coastguard helicopters.

A coastguard helicopter from Sumburgh in the Shetlands was sent to the platform and other helicopters alerted.

Meanwhile, floating booms were positioned around the ship on Tuesday to contain any fuel spill, and a coastguard helicopter hovered above to spot any oil on the sea's surface.

It is also used as a base for the coastguard helicopter and police aircraft.

With the sound of a coastguard helicopter hovering above and 50 knot winds hitting against the tide, Peacock names a race in the Solent as his worst moment.

The coastguard helicopter and Aith lifeboat were launched and Mr Hill was picked up by the crew of the lifeboat and taken ashore just after midnight.

Once the exercise was completed satisfactorily, the coastguard helicopter duly saluted us and flew of at speed to rendezvous with the Stromness lifeboat.

And I asked him about that particular morning's exercise with the coastguard helicopter.