A helicopter carrying eleven passengers and two crew members crashed off the western coast of Norway on Friday.

Eleven people have been found dead, while two are still missing. Eleven of the people on board were Norwegian, one was British and one Italian.

Initial reports suggested that some of the people travelling on the helicopter have been rescued, but one of the rescue officials later said that there are no signs of any survivors.

The accident occurred near the island of Turoy west of the city of Bergen. The Eurocopter 225, which was en route from Gullfaks oil field to Bergen, has been totally destroyed.

Witnesses claim to have seen a powerful explosion and people in the sea. Leisure boats could be seen rushing to the site of the accident.

The rescue operation continues, with authorities seaching a wide area of the sea for any survivors.

All passengers on board the helicopter were employees of the Norwegian oil and gas company, Statoil. The company has temporarily grounded all helicopters of the same type.

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